Delta has been named the Airline of the Year by Air Transport World, which is a big deal because it's the first time in a decade a US carrier has won the title. The editors with ATW cited Delta's leadership in various categories as the leading reason for their recognition — applauding the airline's management, financial discipline, excellent safety record, community involvement, environmental and technological pursuits, customer service, and great employee relations.

"It's an honor to have the hard work of Delta people recognized with the Airline of the Year award from Air Transport World," says Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer. "Our values and culture are the foundation for our success. The professionalism and commitment of Delta people to our company, to one another and to our customers is unmatched."

The 40th Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards will be held in February in Singapore, where the ATW editors will present Delta with their new trophy.

"The airline industry, here in the U.S. and globally, has never been as competitive, so when ATW editors make their Airline of the Year selection they focus on those airlines whose leadership truly stand out from the crowd through strong financial discipline, innovative thinking, superb operational and customer service standards, and excellent employee relations," says ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker. "Delta clearly met all those standards and has demonstrable, measurable statistics to prove it. Delta and its employees thoroughly deserve this award and I congratulate them on their achievements."