NPR

Delta CEO: Airline's Pandemic Strategy Is 'Putting People Over Profits'

U.S. airlines are facing unprecedented economic turmoil. CEO Ed Bastian discusses Delta's decision to fly its planes at 60% capacity and why halting the coronavirus is better than bailouts.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, speaks during the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in 2019. Early in the pandemic, Delta was losing $100 million each day. Now it's losing about $27 million a day.

In the history of commercial air travel, airlines have never had a stretch as bad as the last few months. Early in the pandemic, Delta Air Lines was losing $100 million each day. Now it's losing about $27 million a day.

While Delta is making "good headway" on reducing its cash burn, the most important factor for financial recovery is something that's largely out of the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Magic, Secrets, And Urban Legend: 3 New YA Fantasy Novels To Read This Spring
A heist with a social conscience, a father using magic for questionable work, an urban legend turned sleepover dare: These new releases explore protagonists embracing the magic within themselves.
NPR3 min readWorld
The Eurovision Song Contest Kicked Off With Pop And Protests
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage in the first of two Eurovision semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo, against a backdrop of both parties and protests.
NPR4 min read
A Lawmaker With A Brain Disease Used Voice Assist To Back Her Bill On The House Floor
Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia was diagnosed last year with rare disease that makes it hard to speak. She still advocated for a bill renaming a post office in her district – and the House passed it.

Related Books & Audiobooks