Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is a globally recognized leader known for his “people-first” approach that has transformed the airline into one of the world’s most beloved brands. 

In 2026, Ed marked 10 years as CEO of Delta. He leads a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees building the world’s premier international airline, powered by a customer-focused culture and spirit of innovation. A nearly 30-year Delta veteran, Ed has been a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy of transforming the air travel experience with innovative investments in technology, aircraft, airport facilities, and Delta employees worldwide. Throughout his decades on Delta’s leadership team, Ed has steered the company through some of the most challenging periods of its history, including 9/11, bankruptcy and COVID-19. 

Ed has expanded Delta’s position as the world’s most reliable airline while growing its global footprint and enhancing the customer experience in the air and on the ground. He is a champion for putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision. 

During his tenure as CEO, Delta has become America’s most awarded airline,  frequently recognized for operational performance, community impact and as a top employer. Delta has held the No. 1 ranking in The Points Guy Best Airlines Report for eight consecutive years and ranked No. 11 on Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list for three consecutive years. And under his leadership, Delta has consistently ranked among the most profitable airlines globally, generating revenues exceeding $60 billion annually. 

When asked to sum up his job in five words, Ed’s response is: “Taking care of our people.” The answer reflects his leadership philosophy, which is based on the “virtuous circle” – if you take care of your people, they take care of your customers, whose business and loyalty will benefit your shareholders. His people-focused leadership has been recognized with numerous honors including the TIME100 Most Influential People in the World; Barron’s Top 25 CEOs; and the Yale Legend in Leadership award. 

Ed joined Delta in 1998 as V.P. – Finance and Controller. He was named Chief Financial Officer in 2005, and in 2007 he was appointed to serve as Delta’s President.  

Before joining Delta, Ed held senior finance positions at Frito-Lay International and PepsiCo International (formerly Pepsi-Cola). Ed started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Price Waterhouse), where he became an audit partner in its New York practice.  

Ed grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He lives in Atlanta and is deeply involved in his faith, family and community.  

Follow Ed on LinkedIn and Instagram for his thoughts on leadership, culture, aviation and more.