Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is looking out for his employees after a pro–Donald Trump passenger went on a rant against Hillary Clinton supporters during a recent flight.
As previously reported, the male passenger shouted his support for President-elect Trump, 70, and called out "Hillary bitches." The company issued an apology on Saturday for not removing him following the incident.
"This individual displayed behavior that was loud, rude, and disrespectful to his fellow customers. After questioning the customer, our team members made the best decision they could given the information they had and allowed him to remain on the flight," Bastian shared in a staff memo Monday, November 28. "However, if our colleagues had witnessed firsthand what was shown in the video, there is no question they would have removed him from the aircraft. He will never again be allowed on a Delta plane."
"Part of being a reliable travel partner and a servant leader is acknowledging our mistakes so we can learn from them and respond more effectively in the future," he continued. "Delta has apologized to the customers onboard that flight. We are also refunding those customers the cost of their tickets."
Bastian noted that he won't "tolerate" any similar situations in the future. He thanked his employees for taking care of their customers and assured them that he always has their "backs" on the job.
"The heightened tension in our society means that now more than ever we must require civility on our planes and in our facilities," he wrote. "We must stay true to Delta’s core values and treat one another with dignity and respect. We also must remain committed more than ever to the safety of our customers and our crew members. We will not tolerate anything less."
Read Bastian's full statement here.
