In the hotseat

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NEW FLEET: Last year, Delta Air Lines expected to receive 13 Boeing 757s, while an order for eight additional 777-200LRS was placed.

Last August, Richard Anderson was appointed Delta Air Lines' COO. He was later promoted to CEO within a few months. The carrier chief tells Aviation Business about steering the US carrier.

The airline industry has been through some major changes. What do you consider the main challenges ahead for Delta Air Lines?

Delta is uniquely positioned in the global airline industry with a robust domestic network, fast-growing international footprint, well-placed hub system, lowest cost structure among network carriers, and strong balance sheet.

It has the right architecture for success at a time when passengers demand seamless travel worldwide.

Delta has a superb management team, the trust and loyalty of 50,000 committed employees, and the confidence of having emerged victorious from one of the toughest tests in the airline industry.

Its challenges are typical for the airline industry, beginning with the rising cost of fuel, managing passenger expectations in light of our nation's outdated air traffic control system, and constantly growing competition.

How different will Delta be under your leadership?

I'm honored to have inherited the leadership of Delta at a great point in its history. I'm mindful that a lot of hard work and sacrifice has gone into turning Delta around during the past year.

My goal is to take Delta to a higher level, including becoming the absolute leader in operational performance and customer service.

Delta has a great heritage of service and this is a great platform to build on.

You can expect an even more customer-focused Delta and a carrier that's positioned to win not only in its home base, the US, but around the world as well.

How will you deal with growing competition across your expanding global network?

The airline industry is a competitive, complex business. Delta is in a good position and uniquely placed.

It has a strong network and, given Delta's hub structure, it has industry leading presence on the East Coast in Atlanta, New York-JFK and Cincinnati.

On the West Coast, Delta is strengthening its presence in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

Delta is already the number one airline in terms of destinations covered globally, serving some of the most financially attractive markets in the world.

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