Delta Air Lines announced that Neel Shah, a proven leader in the global airfreight business, will join the company as vice president ' Cargo, effective Jan. 14. Shah will report directly to President Ed Bastian, reflecting the company's increased focus on building a world-class cargo business that leverages the size and scope of Delta's global network.
'Delta's ability to operate service to more worldwide destinations than any other airline has created a strong platform from which to build Delta Cargo into one of the world's most extensive airline freight operations,' Bastian said. 'Neel's knowledge, industry experience and leadership acumen make him an ideal choice for growing Delta's cargo revenues and brand equity in this new role, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Delta team.'
Most recently, Shah served as vice president ' Sales and Marketing for United Airlines Cargo where he was responsible for the revenue side of a $765 million business. Between 2005 and 2007, Shah successfully rebuilt the sales and marketing organization of United Cargo, increasing revenues by $145 million and doubling its contributions to the parent organization. Before joining United Cargo, Shah played a lead role in business development for United Loyalty Services where he was responsible for incubating new business ventures. Shah also held management consulting roles in the global consulting firms of Arthur D. Little, Inc. and Beddows & Company.
Shah sits on the Air Transport Association's Executive Cargo Council and is a board member of Cargo 2000. He holds a master's of Business Administration from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College.
Shah will assume day-to-day oversight of Delta Cargo from Ben Darnell, Delta's managing director ' Cargo, who has decided to leave the company after 22 years of service.
'Ben has made significant contributions to Delta during his career, and we are grateful for his two decades of service and leadership at all levels of our company,' Bastian said.
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 58 countries. Since 2005, Delta has added more international capacity than any other major U.S. airline and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 36 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 650 weekly flights to 61 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 15,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 489 worldwide destinations in 106 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
