John Laughter

Cedric M. from Delta's TechOps team works on a Delta aircraft.

AWN recognizes innovative, transformative engine maintenance operation at Delta TechOps

Aviation Week’s Laureate Award is given to industry leaders in aerospace and aviation in five categories, with a grand laureate awarded in each category to the nominee whose project most embodies the trailblazing spirit of innovation and transformation.
Delta's new pilot training facility in its key Mountain West hub, Salt Lake City. The 47,000-square-foot facility marks the next chapter of Delta’s investment in its 5,400 employees and customers in Utah.  

Delta’s investment in Salt Lake City grows with new pilot training facility

Located next to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), this 47,000-square-foot facility marks the next chapter of Delta’s investment in its 5,400 employees and customers in Utah.

Leader bio

John Laughter, E.V.P., Chief of Operations and President, Delta TechOps

John Laughter leads Operations teams responsible for providing safe, reliable, industry-best operations across the globe with oversight of Technical Operations, Flight Operations, Operations Analytics, the Operations & Customer Center, Delta Connection and Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance.
© 2026 Delta Air Lines, Inc.