Delta Air Lines has named John Caldwell as its Seattle vice president as Mike Medeiros moves into his new role as chief operating officer at Aeromexico.
Caldwell will build on Delta’s momentum in the Pacific Northwest and lead the airline’s strategic initiatives in Seattle during its fifth consecutive year of growth. His responsibilities include overseeing financial performance, marketing, commercial sales, sponsorships, community relations and the customer experience at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He will also engage in state and local government affairs for the region, working with the Port of Seattle as construction begins this spring on a new international arrivals facility. Caldwell will report to Bob Somers, Delta’s senior vice president of global sales.
“Seattle is among the most important markets in the country, and I’m energized and eager to return after 20 years to continue the momentum Delta has established in the region,” Caldwell said. “Our Seattle team and local partners are the best of the best. Together, we will continue to focus on demonstrating the value of partnering with Delta and earning the long-term trust of Pacific Northwest customers.”
Prior to this appointment, Caldwell served as president of Delta Vacations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Under his leadership, Delta Vacations achieved record revenues, profits and margins and earned a reputation as one of the leading tour operators in the industry.
Delta will mark several Seattle milestones this year, including the launch of service to seven new destinations. Recently, joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic began Boeing 787 service from Seattle to London Heathrow, replacing Delta’s previous operation on that route and adding 50 seats along with premium economy. In addition, the Port of Seattle is expected to begin construction this spring on the new international arrivals facility.
Delta is the largest global carrier at Sea-Tac, having more than tripled its flights and destinations at the hub since 2012.