Photo: DELTA AIR LINES Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, announced his retirement from the company on February 28, 2026, after a long and influential career of approximately 20 years with the company.
Hauenstein is widely regarded as the architect behind Delta's transformation from a US-based airline to a global carrier, with a presence across six continents and strategic partnerships with leading companies, including Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM, Korean Air, and many others.
His achievements include developing an international route network, promoting a premium flight experience, and strengthening Delta's positioning as a consistently profitable company over the years. Howenstein will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to the company through the end of 2026.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people and customers of Delta over the past two decades,” Hauenstein said. “I want to thank my team members, colleagues, and the entire Delta family for their support and dedication to our shared goal of building the world’s greatest airline. I’m excited to see us embark into our next century under Joe’s leadership.”
"Glen’s vision and strategic mindset have been essential in transforming Delta into the leading global airline we are today,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in his memo.
"I could not have asked for a better co-pilot to help lead Delta in becoming the best performing airline in the world."
With Hauenstein's retirement, Joe Esposito, one of the company's most senior executives with 35 years of experience, will assume his commercial responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer and lead planning, revenue management, sales, and loyalty programs.
Esposito, who began his career at Delta in 1990, grew from operational roles to senior management positions in the areas of planning, pricing, and revenue, and will now continue to lead the company's commercial division.
As part of the changes, several senior executives will report to Esposito, including the VP of Global Sales, the VP of Customer Engagement and Loyalty, and the VPs of Pricing and Planning, both international and domestic.
Joe Esposito concluded: "Glen leaves behind a powerful legacy of innovation and bold thinking that has transformed our industry. It’s been a tremendous privilege to work alongside him for the past 20 years, and I’m humbled and inspired to lead the outstanding teams he developed as we envision the Delta of the next 100 years."