Delta is celebrating the achievements of its more than 80,000 employees across the globe by paying out over $1 billion in profit sharing, the fifth consecutive payout at this level for a combined total of more than $6 billion. This means that each eligible employee will receive a bonus equal to 14 percent of their annual pay, creating the second largest profit sharing pool in Delta history.

"The Delta team continues to deliver outstanding results in 2018, with unmatched reliability and customer service," said Delta's Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian. "Giving back has always been a part of our culture so, to celebrate, we are investing both in the Delta people who continue to carry our airline to new heights and in the communities where they live, work and serve."

As part of the profit sharing celebration, Delta is redoubling its commitment to communities worldwide by investing further in Delta people and the charitable organizations they care about. Staring April 1, Delta employees will be paid when they volunteer with a 501(c)(3) or international nonprofit organization of their choice. The program is expected to put up to 640,000 additional hours of service into communities on top of the thousands of hours of time Delta employees already give.

"When customers choose Delta, they are making a difference in communities around the world," said Bastian. "Our employees are already giving their time and talents to serve their neighbors. We know that in moments of service, they are truly at their best. That's why we're going to pay them to spend more time giving back."

This announcement furthers Delta's community 'profit sharing' program, introduced in 2016, in which the airline committed to give one percent of its net profits to key charitable organizations. In 2018, this commitment resulted in over $50 million in community giving.

The world can follow along with Delta employees' global "give back" footprint as they share their days of service on TheGreatDeltaGiveBack.com.

Delta Air Lines' commitment to social responsibility

Delta Air Lines is working to connect the world and that starts by making a difference in the communities where Delta people live, work and serve. When customers choose Delta, they make a difference in communities around the world. Last year, Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation contributed over $50 million through the airline's commitment to give one percent of its income to key charitable organizations. Delta people actively volunteer their time and talents, an effort that will only be amplified by Delta's February 2019 commitment to pay employees to spend a day giving back to a host of causes across the globe, with key focus areas including health and wellness, education, military and veterans, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.