John Laughter is Executive Vice President & Chief of Operations. He leads the teams responsible for industry-leading safe, reliable operations across the globe with oversight of Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance; Crew Resources; Flight Operations; Operations Analysis & Performance; Operations & Customer Center; Subsidiary Airlines; and Technical Operations, including Delta TechOps Services Group (DTSG).

John directly oversees Delta Air Lines’ 14,000+ pilots and its global flying operations supported by more than 300 professionals who manage pilot staffing, training and standards, technical support and regulatory compliance.

John is a long-time safety advocate and previously served as Delta’s Senior Vice President – Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance. He directed the airline’s overall safety, security, quality, and environmental performance and kept focused on Delta’s top priority of safety first.

A 29-year Delta veteran, John began his career as an aircraft liaison engineer and held various leadership positions in Technical Operations, including Interiors Engineering, Aircraft Acquisitions, Materials and Planning, and ultimately was appointed Senior Vice President – Technical Operations.

John previously chaired the Georgia Tech Aerospace Engineering School Advisory Board and served as a member of the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Board. He is currently on the Georgia Tech Flying Club Board and the Board of Visitors of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School.

John and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of four sons and reside in Atlanta, Ga.