Delta Air Lines, for the past ten years, has enjoyed status as the US commercial aviation industry’s leader in terms of profitability, service quality, and prestige, all of which have kept the airline at the forefront of the market. For years, the gap between Delta’s competitors at United and American had grown significantly, leaving the company as the unquestioned leader in terms of innovation and one of the few willing to consistently take the risks needed to expand its market presence and international footprint.