Delta Air Lines CEO: The impact of the U.S. government shutdown on operations is "minimal," but TSA personnel shortages require more attention
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated that the U.S. government shutdown has a minimal impact on the company's operations, with daily losses of less than $1 million, but the shortage of airport security personnel is more concerning. He pointed out that the staffing shortage at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a major issue. Additionally, Delta Air Lines is in dispute with the U.S. government over joint venture issues, with the Department of Transportation requesting the joint venture to terminate on January 1, to which Bastian expressed opposition, believing that dissolving the joint venture is not the correct strategy
According to Zhitong Finance APP, on October 27th (Monday) local time, Delta Air Lines (DAL.US) CEO Ed Bastian stated in an interview that the impact of the U.S. government shutdown on the company's operations is "relatively small," with daily losses of less than $1 million, but the shortage of airport security personnel is more concerning. He emphasized, "The most obvious concern is whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can ensure adequate staffing at checkpoints."
The U.S. is currently also short of air traffic controllers. Approximately 13,000 controllers and about 50,000 TSA staff must work without pay during the government shutdown, and they will miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday.
Bastian pointed out, "The U.S. air traffic control system already has staffing shortages, and it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether the shortfall is due to the shutdown or a systemic staffing gap."
Delta Air Lines is currently in a dispute with the U.S. government over a joint venture with Aeroméxico that has lasted nearly nine years. The U.S. Department of Transportation has ordered that the joint venture must terminate by January 1st, as part of several measures concerning the Mexican airline industry, citing competitive concerns.
In response, Bastian clearly opposed this: "We believe that dissolving the joint venture is not the right strategy; we must protect our interests in the long term." He added that discussions between both parties and the government have been ongoing for a long time, and there is currently no clear timeline for a resolution.
The joint venture creates synergies for both airlines by coordinating flight schedules, fares, and capacity between the U.S. and Mexico
