With Wednesday's announcement of Richard Anderson’s retirement from Delta, social media lit up with messages of appreciation and well wishes for the outgoing CEO. In his nine years at the helm, Anderson propelled Delta to new heights of operational and financial excellence, as the company became one of the world’s most profitable airlines.

Here’s a look at some of the messages:

@Delta While I've never met him personally, I think the world of Richard and all he has done for #Delta. Congrats to Richard on retirement!

— James Hashley (@james_hashley) February 3, 2016

@Delta congratulations to Richard on his retirement. As a Delta Loyal traveler, he made monumental changes for the better! #thankyou

— Larry Bellack (@lbellack) February 4, 2016

@Delta this cruise line exec & Diamond member will greatly miss Richard! He and the whole dedicated Delta family have built a great airline

— John Delaney (@JohnDelaneySBN) February 4, 2016

@Delta wow I'm sad... I love reading his letters in sky magazine. He has been a great leader, an honor to fly in his leadership.

— Nathan Amaral (@NathanAmaral) February 4, 2016

@Delta I'll miss him in the safety videos.

— Zack (@zts1986) February 3, 2016

There's also growing excitement for incoming CEO Ed Bastian, who will take over the role of chief executive in May.

Best wishes to @delta CEO Richard Anderson as he retires and warmest congrats to new CEO Ed Bastian. https://t.co/5QdE85Ws87

— Manchester-Boston (@flymanchester) February 4, 2016

Congrats to @Delta’s Richard Anderson — great run as CEO. No surprise with Ed Bastian taking the reins. As expected.

— Holly Hegeman (@PlaneBusiness) February 3, 2016

@Delta Richard has done well and look forward to Ed keeping the tradition alive

— Michael Szuch (@MrSzuch) February 4, 2016