ATLANTA, Ga. (Dec. 19, 2013) – Last week, the Federal Communications Commission issued a request for public input as to whether or not the ban on in-flight cell phone use should be lifted. Yesterday, however, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson told employees that based on customer research and feedback, Delta would not be permitting cell phones in flight, regardless of what the FCC ultimately decides.
The following is an excerpt from Anderson’s memo to Delta’s 80,000 employees:
“Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience. In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favor of voice calls onboard.
Delta has moved quickly when technological and regulatory breakthroughs provide opportunities to make flying better for our customers. That is why we were the first to file our plan with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow customers to use portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. Similarly, if the FCC lifts its ban on cellular use in flight, Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate.”
Atlanta-based Delta was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2013 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list, topping the list for the second time in three years. The airline serves more than 160 million customers each year and offers flight service to 315 destinations in 58 countries.
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