If you needed further proof that Delta Air Lines sees itself as a different kind of company, look no further than this Tweet that went live last Friday.
Clicking through, you’ll find the following statement.
“Delta Air Lines applauds the steps announced this week to enact much-needed reforms to the nation’s immigration system,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “The President’s actions will provide economic development opportunities and enhance public safety by streamlining legal immigration while cracking down on illegal immigration at the border and focusing on deporting felons rather than families.”
I do not care to discuss the immigration debate here or anyone’s views on it. What’s most interesting is that Delta has weighed in on the subject at all. The topic itself is so polarizing that I wouldn’t touch it with your 10 foot pole, much less mine, which takes us back to the topic at hand – Delta Air Lines no longer sees itself as just an airline. It’s amazing what becoming a more consistent money-making enterprise can do for the corporate psyche.
If you’ve been with me for a while, you know my first blog byline was “An ex-Airline Guy Blogs About Airlines and Travel.” I’m an admitted #AvGeek, and airline industry follower. I know the industry has evolved in ways I had not envisioned – think revenue-based mileage programs and earning real profits. But I never imagined we’d get to a point where airlines inserted themselves into policy debates that seemingly have little impact on them. Or perhaps it does have an impact on Delta? Interesting times in the airline industry.
-MJ, November 24, 2014
Delta may lose some passengers over its tweet, but Delta is far more likely to gain more passengers than it loses (and probably not face much consequence at all, anyway). Social media allows people to freak and vent with no true consequence (I’ll never use that airline or company again–even though most will). Delta weighed in, which, in the absence of most corporations taking positions until the 11th hour, looks quite brave. Also, with less competition among major airlines these days, it is far less risky for airlines to take positions and/or eliminate perks/benefits. After all, with less competition, there… Read more »
MJ, surprised you mentioned my 10′ pole let alone yours…
@ValuetravelerOZ, Nope, I ALWAYS make that same mistake and have to correct it.
Oh and @MJ my jaw dropped a little when I saw that tweet as well but then I remembered their tweets and news postings about their different LGBT stances. So they or at least the ones (wo)manning (for the easily offended) the social media keyboards aren’t reserved of opinion in polarizing topics.
Maybe its me who is missing the boat here, but I. Think you are all off base. Big business (delta qualifies there) are all in favor of immigration reforn along the lines proposed by the President. It is one of the great ironies that republicans are opposed to it and democrats support this big-business initiative. For businesses its not about politics, its about making money.
I don’t think you’re missing the boat (or plane đŸ™‚ ) at all, John.
Perhaps F meals will now be catered by Chic- Fil-A? (did I spell that write?) đŸ™‚
Shocked that Delta would do this publicly. Makes me think Delta is hoping to get something approved by the current administration!
I can’t believe that they would be stupid enough to weigh-in on either side. This obviously shows me the political leanings of Delta and that they are willing to insert themselves into politics. There are enough other airlines that I will have no problem avoiding Delta in the future. I want to fly an airline, not a political statement.
It’s funny that the one airline that treats it’s frequent flyers so badly and unethically would care about how others are being treated. Delta, look at yourself before you jump into politics.
Maybe DL is hoping for more Spirit Airlines passengers