Memo Goes Out To 80,000 Employees Of The Airline

Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson sent out a company-wide memo to the carrier's 80,000 employees worldwide Wednesday saying that voice calls will not be allowed on Delta or Delta Connection flights regardless of any decision by the FCC or the FAA.

In the memo, Anderson (pictured) said that the decision is based on customer research and direct feedback. "Our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience. In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favor of voice calls onboard," the memo said.

Anderson said Delta has moved quickly when technological and regulatory breakthroughs provide opportunities to make flying better for its customers. "That is why we were the first to file our plan with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow customers to use portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. Similarly, if the FCC lifts its ban on cellular use in flight, Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate.

"Even as technology advances and as regulations are changed, we will not only consider what we can do, but as importantly we will also consider what is right for our customers and our employees. This is yet another example of how we continue to have your back and how we also rely on your professionalism and experience to guide our actions and decisions."

FMI: www.delta.com