Delta Air Lines has announced that its president, Glen Hauenstein, will retire at the end of February 2026, bringing to a close a career that has spanned more than 20 years with the airline and its predecessor airlines. The planned transition was communicated to employees on December 17th, 2025, by Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian.

Hauenstein’s retirement will take effect on February 28, 2026. Following that date, he is expected to remain in an advisory role through the remainder of the year, supporting leadership continuity during the transition. Delta has said the extended timeline is intended to provide stability as responsibilities shift within the executive team.

Hauenstein joined Delta in 2005 and held a range of senior commercial leadership roles before being named president in 2016. In that position, he oversaw key areas including network planning, revenue management, sales, reservations, customer care, and the airline’s loyalty program. His tenure coincided with a period in which Delta expanded its global footprint and adjusted how it structured pricing, products, and network planning across domestic and international markets.

Above: Delta Air Lines' Glen Hauenstein at the NYSE Opening Bell in November 2025. Photo by NYSE via their YouTube Video of the event. Fair Use Provision.

At the same time, Delta expanded its international reach through joint ventures with major airline partners, allowing the carrier to deepen its presence in key global regions. These partnerships became a structural component of Delta’s long term network strategy, supporting schedule coordination and expanded connectivity for customers.

Hauenstein’s leadership also aligned with changes in how Delta structured its product offerings. Over time, the airline placed greater emphasis on premium cabins and differentiated services, a shift that contributed to growth in higher yield revenue streams. Industry reporting has noted that premium products became an increasingly important part of Delta’s overall revenue mix during this period, reflecting a broader trend in the airline’s commercial approach.

As part of the leadership transition, Delta has named Joe Esposito to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Esposito, who has spent more than three decades with the airline, will assume responsibility for network planning, revenue management, sales, and loyalty initiatives. He has held several senior roles across pricing, planning, and analytics and has worked closely with Hauenstein on commercial strategy in recent years.

Delta has framed the change as a planned and orderly transition, emphasizing depth within its executive ranks. Hauenstein’s continued involvement through 2026 is intended to support that process while new leadership responsibilities take form.

The announcement comes as Delta marks its 100th year of operations. Company statements have pointed to continuity in leadership and strategy as the airline enters its next century, with a continued focus on network development, commercial performance, and customer experience as core elements of its long term direction.