Summary - TST 6

TRANSPORTES, SERVICIOS Y TELECOMUNICACIONES


TST 6

Drew Whitelegg
Delta Aire Linea 1970-1995: Sowing the seeds of globalization

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Key words: Globalization; Delta Air Lines; US aviation.

[ Abstract ]

This paper analyzes the growth of Delta Air Lines over the last quarter of the twentieth century. It argues that its development into an airline of global stature took place over an extended period of time and was the result of important decisions taken in the 1970s and 1980s. A period of financial conservatism during the former was replaced by aggressive expansion in the latter. At the same time, geographical expansion was accompanied by a new commitment to reducing costs. Based upon an analysis of company reports, publications and interviews with company workers, this paper suggests that Delta became a globalized airline by 1990, carrying its brand from Tokyo to Tallahassee, Florida.