Notams

Following a 19-month restructuring, Delta Air Lines on April 30 emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. "This is a great day in Delta's history--a day that would not have been possible without the hard work and sacrifice of Delta people around the world," said Gerald Grinstein, Delta's chief executive officer. "Through our restructuring we have successfully repaired our balance sheet, improved the customer experience, expanded our international route system, and built a platform for future success."

The company completed a comprehensive transformation plan one year ahead of schedule, achieving more than $8 billion in annual cost and revenue improvements. Delta has recalled all its furloughed pilots, and the airline is expected to hire 200 cockpit crewmembers this year.

As part of its restructuring, the airline has added more than 60 new international routes. "In just over 19 months we have undertaken the largest international expansion in Delta's history," said Jim Whitehurst, Delta's chief operating officer. "Today, Delta takes customers to more places than any other airline and is the leading carrier between the United States and trans-Atlantic destinations."

On April 30, Delta unveiled an updated corporate brand it says reflects the company's successful transformation into a highly differentiated, customer-focused airline. It rolled out the first Boeing 757 painted in the new livery at an employee event in Atlanta.

Virgin America gets OK

The U.S. Department of Transportation has given tentative approval for Virgin America, a start-up airline backed by Sir Richard Branson, to begin operations this summer. Virgin first must meet DOT's foreign ownership requirements.

Continental adds 787s

On March 12 Continental Airlines ordered five more Boeing 787-9s. It now has 25 787s on order.

JetBlue CEO steps down

David Neeleman, JetBlue's founder and CEO since 1998, has relinquished the operating position, three months after service problems kept passengers aboard grounded jets for hours.

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