Company newsroom — sourced from Delta Air Lines · Notice Nearby

Delta and Airbus showcase opportunities across aviation & aerospace

Delta Air Lines

September 21, 2026

Read original on the Delta Air Lines newsroom

In celebration of Girls in Aviation Day, 160 young women from eight Atlanta-area schools and organizations flew from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Ala. for the 11th annual WING Flight.

This year, students journeyed to Mobile for a rare view into how an airline secures one of its most important assets: its fleet.

Students wearing WING Flight shirts pose with a pilot at an aircraft doorway during a Girls in Aviation Day experience.

Rotating through four interactive stops, students got a 360-degree view into every stage of fleet preparation. They toured the A320 assembly line, played aviation-themed games at the Delivery Center, operated drones and flight simulators at Flight Works Alabama and explored Bishop College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program and facilities.

“When we launched WING Flight 11 years ago, our goal was simple: help young women see that they can achieve anything, if they set their minds to it and work hard. By connecting students with pilots, engineers, mechanics and aviation leaders, we're helping build the next generation of talent that will shape the future,” said Cheri Rohlfing, a 25-year Delta veteran and A320 captain who co-founded the flight.

Aviation professionals pose in an aircraft cockpit, seated at the flight controls and pilot seats, during a Girls in Aviation Day event.

Before heading home, students heard from a panel of Delta and Airbus leaders at Bishop College, including: Jennie Ho, V.P. In-Flight Service Operations; Heather Tardif, V.P. of Crew Resources; Barbara Quiroga-Lozano, Managing Director - Assistant Treasurer, and Nicole Bell, Director HR of Employee Engagement and Caroline Jecko-Parkes, V.P. of HR for Airbus. These leaders shared their own career journeys and answered questions about navigating the industry.

Students attend a WING Flight panel discussion featuring aviation professionals at the Airbus facility during Girls in Aviation Day.

Building the future of aviation

By one industry estimate, the U.S. will need hundreds of thousands of new aviation professionals over the next decade, and Delta is committed to widening the funnel and decreasing barriers to find the best, most-qualified talent. This includes partnering with K-12 schools and organizations that share a mission to connect young people from underrepresented communities with opportunity.

Two students wearing WING Flight shirts pose in front of a large aircraft engine display during a visit to the Airbus facility.

“Talent is universal. Access and exposure are not always. Introducing the next generation to aviation doesn’t just shape their future – it strengthens ours as an airline,” said Keyra Lynn Johnson, V.P. and Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Social Impact Officer. “By reaching bright talent with diverse background and experiences, we’re building a talent pipeline that helps us better reflect and serve our customers.”

WING Flight is one of several Delta programs, including Dream Flight, ACE Academy and the National Flight Academy that introduce students to aviation careers and expand the talent pipeline.

Students gather for a guided tour overlooking the Airbus aircraft manufacturing facility.

WING Flight participants pose among interactive aviation exhibits at Flight Works Alabama.

Student uses a flight simulator exhibit at Flight Works Alabama during a WING Flight visit.

WING Flight participant poses with Delta pilots and aviation professionals at the airport.

Students test aircraft passenger seats and seatbelt equipment during a hands-on aviation learning experience.

Students explore interactive aviation and aerospace exhibits at the Flight Works Alabama education center.

Large group of WING Flight participants gathered on the tarmac in front of a Delta aircraft during Girls in Aviation Day.

Working together to expand horizons

Airbus and Delta have long shared common goals for the future of travel. Earlier this year, Delta announced the addition of 31 next-generation Airbus widebody aircraft to its fleet, an investment that will fuel international growth and accelerate fleet renewal in the years to come.

Mobile is one of five cities worldwide where Airbus commercial aircraft are assembled. The Mobile Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility has more than 2,000 employees who produce A320 and A220 Family aircraft for customers in the U.S. and Latin America.

“To meet the growing global demand for aerospace talent, our industry must actively broaden access and create early touchpoints for young women," said Caroline Jecko-Parkes, Head of Human Resources for Airbus in North America. "Partnering with Delta to give these students direct access to our facility and leaders is an important investment in the talent pipeline that will help drive the future of aerospace innovation.”

— Company newsroom — sourced from Delta Air Lines. Matter furnished by the company. Not a Notice Nearby paid placement. This page reprints matter furnished by the company from its official newsroom. Notice Nearby did not write this release. Read the original: https://news.delta.com/delta-and-airbus-showcase-opportunities-across-aviation-aerospace