Workforce Diversity in Aviation: Delta’s Improvements

A diverse flight attendant in Delta's workforce assists a customer at the gate
“A picture of equity says that your leadership should look more like your front line, and our front line is extremely diverse.”

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Workforce diversity across all levels is a key to success in business.

“A picture of equity says that your leadership should look more like your front line, and our front line is extremely diverse.”

Delta Air Lines reports that its U.S. workforce is becoming more diverse with female and minority representation increasing throughout most ranks.

However, much improvement is still needed to address workforce diversity disparities within leadership positions. 

While the percentage of Black front-line personnel rose from 22% to 23.8% in the second quarter of this year, Black representation among officers lowered to 7% from 7.3%. Gender gaps also grew in senior management.

Simply hiring more diverse employees at low levels of management will not lead to successful DEI growth across the entire workforce. It also won’t fool internal and external stakeholders when there’s a clear difference between leadership and front line diversity. 

ideascape helps member organizations develop deeper levels of strategy using a holistic approach. Whether we’re working with a tech company in Silicon Valley or a major airline, we help make DEI built-in…not bolted-on. Message Jonathan Dyke or Deon Gaines to learn how we save members time and money.

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