Ed Bastian has been the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines since May 2016, after nearly 18 years with the company. He joined Delta in 1998 as Vice President – Finance and Controller, later becoming CFO and President before his current role. Bastian played a key role in Delta’s acquisition and integration of Northwest Airlines in 2008 and has led initiatives to strengthen Delta’s financial foundation, including debt reduction, strategic investments, and expanding the airline’s global network[2][4]. Under Bastian’s leadership, Delta has focused on elevating the premium customer experience through investments in technology, aircraft, airport facilities, and employee development. The airline has been recognized as America’s most awarded airline, earning accolades such as Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, Air Transport World’s Airline of the Year 2024, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2025[4]. He emphasizes a people-driven, customer-focused culture and innovation. Bastian has navigated challenges including rising operational costs, regulatory disputes, and safety incidents. In 2024, Delta sued the Biden administration over consumer-protection regulations. In early 2025, following a Delta aircraft crash in Toronto, he announced passenger compensation and medical expense coverage. He has also voiced criticism of U.S. tariffs on European aircraft, delaying Airbus deliveries in response to increased costs[1]. Financially, Delta under Bastian showed strong operating income and revenue growth in Q3 2025, driven by premium service enhancements. Despite safety-related incidents and a significant decline in shareholder value, Bastian received $34.2 million in total compensation for 2023, the highest among airline CEOs[1][3]. He advocates for modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system to improve safety and efficiency, highlighting the outdated technology still in use[5]. Bastian also oversees Delta’s investment in Wheels Up, a private aviation company, aiming to strengthen Delta’s position in the premium travel market. He describes Wheels Up as catering to the ultimate premium air travel segment and reports meaningful progress in business travel growth[6]. Overall, Ed Bastian remains a central figure in the airline industry, steering Delta through competitive and regulatory pressures while focusing on innovation and premium customer service.