Skift Power Rankings: Ed Bastian
Skift Take
Ed Bastian made smart moves that put Delta at the crest of the premium wave. The airline now rakes in one of every three dollars of profit made in the entire U.S. airline industry.
Power is not just about who holds the top job but who shapes the landscape, drives innovation, and sets the agenda for what comes next. With that in mind, we proudly present Skift’s Power Rankings — our list of the most powerful leaders in travel.
It ain’t easy running a profitable airline, but listen to Delta CEO Ed Bastian and you’re left wondering why others are faltering. His laser focus on simplicity at all levels of the business has helped Delta become the kingpin of U.S. network carriers.
Speaking to Skift in June, as American Airlines was struggling through backlash from travel agents over its distribution strategy, Bastian calmly said: “Our strategy is very simple, we’re goi
