With not one but two COVID-19 vaccines now approved and being distributed across the country, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is optimistic that recovery for the financially impacted airline industry will take place next year.
“Throughout the challenges of 2020, the character of our healthcare heroes and essential workers has shown through. I have tremendous hope for the year ahead thanks to the people who have carried us through one of the most challenging periods in our history,” Bastian said in his monthly “Letter From Ed” sent to Delta customers. “While we continue to work to prevent the spread of the virus, I am optimistic that 2021 is going to be a year of recovery for our world thanks to the amazing scientists and researchers who have developed vaccines in an extraordinarily short period of time.”
Buoyed by the prospects, Bastian also outlined expectations for the airline in terms of customer care. They include:
– More flexibility with no change fees, permanently. “You told us flexibility was important. You now have control of your travel plans thanks to the permanent elimination of change fees when flying from North America to anywhere in the world, excluding Basic Economy fares,” he said. “For travelers outside of North America, Delta extended the existing commitment to no change fees for all tickets purchased through March 30, 2021, for travel at any time to anywhere.
– An elevated standard of cleanliness at all times. “Delta has more than 100 protective measures in place to ensure safety, such as a higher standard of cleanliness throughout your trip, sanitizing every flight and the use of industrial-grade HEPA filters on board that extract more than 99.99 percent of particles from the air, including viruses. Our commitment to cleanliness will remain, even after the virus subsides,” Bastian said…
