Delta has been named the world’s Most Admired Airline by Fortune’s Most Admired Airline List, ranking the airline as No. 1 for the 10th time in the past 11 years. The company was also named among Fortune Magazine’s Top 50 Most Admired Companies of 2021 for the eighth consecutive year – ranking No. 23 overall and top among airlines in social responsibility, people management and long-term value. 

“This is a remarkable achievement in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a companywide memo. “It is validation that our decision to always put people first is elevating our global brand and building trust and loyalty among our customers.” 

Published annually, Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list is a ranking of the world’s most respected and reputable companies based on an extensive survey of thousands of leading executives, experts and analysts across 52 industries. 

Judged on categories ranging from innovativeness to social responsibility, Delta’s ranking indicates the airline is well positioned to lead the global recovery in 2021. To Bastian, the ranking is largely due to the great work of Delta’s employees, who have continued to put customers first. 

“We know that our customers who need to travel feel safe on Delta because of your incredible efforts to keep them safe and healthy, as well as actions such as blocking middle seats, mandating masks and regularly testing Delta people,” he said. “When travel demand returns, our customers will remember how Delta took care of them during this painful time in our history.” 

In January, Glassdoor ranked Delta No. 7 on its “Best Places to Work” list – the airline’s fifth year on the list and its highest placement to date. Learn more about what makes Delta the world’s most-awarded airline. 

What made Delta stand out this year? 

Companies were ranked by leaders on a variety of attributes, both general and industry-specific, as well as their overall reputation among the business community. 

Among airlines, Delta ranked No. 1 in the following categories: 

• People Management  
• Use of Corporate Assets  
• Quality of Management  
• Social Responsibility  
• Financial Soundness  
• Long-Term Investment Value  
• Global Competitiveness