Delta Air Lines Doubles Down On DEI Commitment

While many corporations are distancing themselves from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the new Trump era, Delta Air Lines appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

Delta Air Lines Is Remaining “Steadfast” In Supporting DEI Initiatives

Peter Carter, Delta’s Chief External Affairs Officer told investors during the carrier’s 4th quarter earnings call last month:

“We are steadfast in our commitments because we think that they are actually critical to our business. Sustainability is about being more efficient in our operations and really DEI is about talent and that has been our focus. The key differentiator at Delta is our people.”

Carter believes that DEI is about talent and integral to Delta’s long-term sustainability. Those comments have been echoed by CEO Ed Basitan:

“Thoughtful action combined with a focus on championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and within our personal lives will play a healing role to help us keep climbing. The Delta family will use whatever means we have to move the world toward a better, more just tomorrow.”

This comes after an Executive Order by President Trump last month calling on the federal government and government contractors to eliminate DEI initiatives, arguing they “undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement.”

Companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, McDonald’s, Target, and Walmart have responded by scaling back or eliminating their DEI efforts, but not Delta.

image: Delta Air Lines