“We have successfully repaired our balance sheet , improved the customer experience, expanded our international route system and built a platform for future success,” trumpeted Gerald Grinstein, the airline's CEO, as the carrier exited 19 months of bankruptcy protection. “Delta is now a fierce competitor in a tough industry and we are confident that we will reclaim our rightful place as an industry leader.”
Delta has added more than 60 new international routes and now claims to be the leading carrier between the United States and trans-Atlantic destinations. There are reports that Delta will be adding service to 13 new international destinations within the next 60 days. There may be even more expansion if the airline can take advantage of the new Open Skies between the European Union and the United States.
Delta is a member of SkyTeam Cargo that includes AeroMexico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Alitalia Cargo, CSA Cargo, KLM Cargo, Korean Air Cargo and Northwest Airline Cargo. The SkyTeam Alliance offers seamless processing of shipments through coordinated warehousing operation, serving 545 destinations in 127 countries with more than 1,200 aircraft and 8,900 daily flights.
Delta's planes are sporting new colors with a white fuselage and a redesigned two-tone red widget on a blue tail. Painting of the entire airplane fleet that numbered 440 as it left Chapter 11, is expected to take four years, according to Air Transport World.
“Emergence from bankruptcy is not the end of a journey,” says Grinstein. “Instead, it is the beginning of a new and prosperous era at Delta. Many challenges are ahead, and thanks to our successful restructuring, we are stronger and better positioned to meet them.”
