Delta Air Lines is considering ending discounts to other politically divisive groups after its costly decision to cut ties with the powerful US National Rifle Association.
Republican law-makers in Delta’s home state of Georgia last week punished the airline last week by repealing an airline fuel tax exemption that would have saved the carrier an estimated $US40 million.
Delta was among a number of companies, including fellow carrier United Airlines, to stop discounts to the NRA in the wake of the recent deadly school shooting in Florida.
The airline said it had rescinded a one-time group travel discount for the NRA’s annual meeting and asked that its name and logo be removed from the lobby group’s website.
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“This decision followed the NRA’s controversial statements after the recent school shootings in Florida,’’ Delta airline chief executive said in a letter to staff. “Our discounted travel benefit for NRA members could be seen as Delta implicitly endorsing the NRA. That is not the case.”
Bastian said the airline was not taking sides in the debate on increasing safety in US schools and public places but attempting to remove itself from the debate.
The airline later revealed only 13 people had taken advantage of the NRA discount.
“While Delta’s intent was to remain neutral, some elected officials in Georgia tied our decision to a pending jet fuel tax exemption, threatening to eliminate it unless we reversed course,’’ Bastian said “Our decision was not made for economic gain and our values are not for sale. We are in the process of a review to end group discounts for any group of a politically divisive nature.”
Bastian also reaffirmed the airline’s intent to keep its headquarters in Georgia, despite offers from other states.
“None of this changes the fact that our home is Atlanta and we are proud and honored to locate our headquarters here,” he said.
