Friday, March 15, 2024
Delta made a significant splash at SXSW®, the renowned festival in Austin that celebrates technology, music, film, culture, and education.
Last week, Delta made a significant splash at SXSW®, the renowned festival in Austin that celebrates technology, music, film, culture, and education. As the festival’s official airline, Delta’s top brass, including CEO Ed Bastian on the mainstage, shared insights with attendees about leading with values, the future of connecting people, fostering community through strategic partnerships, and creating valuable experiences for members.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERSHIP: DELTA’S VISION FOR A CONNECTED, EXPERIENCE-RICH BRAND
In a mainstage dialogue, Bastian and Fortune’s Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell explored Delta’s approach to shaping the future of connectivity by prioritizing people in its business strategy. Following this, Bastian had a conversation with the acclaimed chef, humanitarian, and CEO of the José Andrés Group, José Andrés, about the role of businesses in uniting people, whether through culinary experiences or travel. This talk was captured for an upcoming episode of Delta’s Gaining Altitude series, set to be released next month.
Delta offered SXSW attendees a chance to unwind in the Delta Lounge, an exclusive pop-up featuring rapid, complimentary Delta Sync Wi-Fi, global beverage favorites from partner Starbucks, specially designed Delta x SXSW merchandise, and more.
The Delta Lounge also teased future expansions, revealing that the Delta One Lounge, a luxurious space designed to enhance Delta’s premier in-flight service, is set to open at JFK airport in June, after extensive planning.
Lounge visitors were treated to exceptional dishes by Austin’s own Rene Ortiz, a James Beard-nominated chef with a global culinary background. Ortiz’s menu, inspired by Texas and the various destinations served by Delta, included dishes ranging from pork carnitas to quinoa potato latkes and tuna crispy rice. The Lounge’s speakeasy, reserved for Medallion members, offered a BBQ tasting with dishes from Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ, a celebrated Austin pitmaster and James Beard award recipient. Additionally, speakeasy attendees enjoyed an exclusive performance by THEBROSFRESH, an Austin duo known for their blend of rock, soul, R&B, and southern hip-hop.
At the lounge, adorned with Delta’s renowned Red Coats and attentive flight attendants, guests were immersed in the airline’s celebrated hospitality and the benefits of membership, including the option to pick up exclusive Delta x SXSW merchandise, which quickly became a staple sight throughout Austin.
DELTA’S EMBRACE OF AUSTIN: A SHOWCASE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Deeply Rooted in Austin
Boasting over 200 employees from Austin, Delta has firmly established itself within the local community. The airline showcased its dedication to Austin at the festival by collaborating with Waterloo Greenway and Future Front Texas to reveal a newly commissioned mural. Created in partnership with local talents Ruben Esquivel of East End Eclectic and Kat Talley, the mural encapsulates a vision of Austin’s future that emphasizes human connections and community unity.
This artwork will play a central role in Waterloo Greenway’s yearly Artist in Residence program, managed alongside East End Eclectic, throughout the summer and will be a focal point in the Greenway’s environmental and art initiatives during the spring and summer seasons.
To celebrate the mural’s unveiling, Delta organized a market event, spotlighting over 20 local artists and business owners.
Expanding Austin’s Gateway to the World
Echoing the Texas mantra that “everything is bigger in Texas,” Delta’s Austin footprint is expanding significantly. The airline’s April growth plans are setting Austin up as a pivotal gateway, enhancing access to its extensive international network.
This summer, Delta is set to provide its largest ever schedule for Austin, increasing seat capacity by 20% compared to July 2023, in line with Austin’s fast-paced urban development.
Moreover, Delta plans to operate nearly 50 peak-day direct flights to 15 domestic airports, covering all nine Delta hubs in addition to destinations like Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, and Orlando, Florida. Delta’s partnership in Austin further extends global reach with direct flights to Mexico City (MEX) and Amsterdam (AMS).
Austin residents can also enjoy the acclaimed Delta Sky Club, opened in 2019, which captures the essence of Texas through distinctive features like a pewter rhinestone cowboy boot sculpture, artwork celebrating the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, and a top-tier drinks selection rich in tequilas and mezcals. For three consecutive years, the AUS Delta Sky Club has topped customer satisfaction rankings in the Southern U.S.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
