Delta Airlines 2013 Annual Report Download - page 11

Fuel Supply Availability
We are currently able to obtain adequate supplies of aircraft fuel, including through our purchases from Monroe, and crude oil for Monroe's
operations, but it is impossible to predict the future availability or price of aircraft fuel and crude oil. Weather-related events, natural disasters,
political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries, changes in government policy concerning aircraft fuel production, transportation
or marketing, changes in aircraft fuel production capacity, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events may result in fuel supply
shortages and fuel price increases in the future.
Frequent Flyer Program
Our SkyMiles
®
frequent flyer program is designed to retain and increase traveler loyalty by offering incentives to customers to increase travel
on Delta. The SkyMiles program allows program members to earn mileage for travel awards by flying on Delta, Delta's regional carriers and
other participating airlines. Mileage credit may also be earned by using certain services offered by program participants, such as credit card
companies, hotels and car rental agencies. In addition, individuals and companies may purchase mileage credits. Miles do not expire, but are
subject to all program rules. We reserve the right to terminate the program with six months advance notice, and to change the program's terms
and conditions at any time without notice.
SkyMiles program mileage credits can be redeemed for air travel on Delta and participating airlines, for membership in our Delta Sky Clubs
®
and for other program participant awards. Mileage credits are subject to certain transfer restrictions and travel awards are subject to capacity-
controlled seating. In 2013 , program members redeemed more than 271 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for 11 million award
redemptions. During this period, 7.3% of revenue miles flown on Delta were from award travel.
Other Businesses
Cargo
Through our global network, our cargo operations are able to connect all of the world's major freight gateways. We generate cargo revenues
in domestic and international markets through the use of cargo space on regularly scheduled passenger aircraft. We are a member of SkyTeam
Cargo, a global airline cargo alliance, whose other members are Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico Cargo, Air France-KLM Cargo,
Alitalia Cargo, China Airlines Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, China Southern Cargo, Czech Airlines Cargo and Korean Air Cargo. SkyTeam
Cargo offers a global network spanning six continents.
Delta TechOps, Delta Global Services, MLT Vacations and Delta Private Jets
We have several other businesses arising from our airline operations, including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”), staffing
services for third parties, vacation wholesale operations and our private jet operations. In 2013, the total revenue from these businesses was
approximately $800 million.
Distribution and Expanded Product Offerings
Our tickets are sold through various distribution channels including telephone reservations, delta.com, and traditional "brick and mortar" and
online travel agencies. An increasing number of our tickets are sold through delta.com, which reduces our distribution costs and gives us closer
contact with our customers.
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• In addition to providing maintenance and engineering support for our fleet of over 900 aircraft, our MRO operation, known as Delta
TechOps, serves aviation and airline customers from around the world.
• Our staffing services business, Delta Global Services, provides staffing services, professional security, training services and aviation
solutions.
•
Our vacation wholesale business, MLT Vacations, provides vacation packages.
• Our private jet operations, Delta Private Jets, provides aircraft charters, aircraft management and programs allowing members to
purchase flight time by the hour.