After just 15 months as Delta Air Lines’ Chief Operating Officer, Michael Spanos is set to leave the company at the end of August 2024, according to a report by AirlineGeeks. The Atlanta-based carrier disclosed Spanos’ departure in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday. His exit will be effective on August 31, and he will receive severance benefits under Delta’s officer and director severance plan, along with existing awards from the airline’s performance compensation plan.
In a memo sent to Delta employees and published by Fox 5 Atlanta, CEO Ed Bastian confirmed Spanos’ departure. Bastian noted that Spanos had informed him earlier this summer that he was considering opportunities outside of Delta.
“Since joining Delta, Mike immersed himself with our frontline teams, prioritizing safety first and always,” Bastian said in the letter. “Under Mike’s leadership, he has helped to advance Delta’s performance over the past year, and we continue to lead the industry across all operating metrics.”
Bastian highlighted that Delta experienced a significant reduction in injuries during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, crediting Spanos’ leadership for this improvement. Despite Spanos’ departure, Delta does not currently plan to fill the COO role.
Spanos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, previously served as CEO of Six Flags Entertainment before joining Delta. Bastian did not disclose Spanos’ next career move in the memo.
