Delta ‘Steadfast’ in DEI, ESG Efforts

Delta leaders say corporate policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with sustainability, are “critical” to its business.

Delta aircraft parked on the ramp in Boston. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
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Key Takeaways:

Delta leaders say corporate policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with sustainability, are “critical” to its business. With many companies scaling back these policies in recent months, the Atlanta-based airline reaffirmed its commitment during a recent earnings call.

The carrier’s executive vice president of external affairs, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary, Peter Carter, responded to a question regarding whether Delta was reevaluating these policies during the Friday call.

Carter said the airline isn’t taking another look at its DEI or environmental, social, and governance frameworks.

“We are steadfast in our commitments because we think that they are actually critical to our business,” he shared. “Sustainability is about being more efficient in our operations.”

Several U.S. companies – including Boeing – have scaled back or axed their DEI departments. Boeing reaffirmed its commitment to a “merit-based performance system” last year.

Carter added that DEI is “about talent and that’s been our focus. And of course, the key differentiator at Delta is our people.”

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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