Delta Airlines 2014 Annual Report Download - page 10

Fuel Supply Availability
We are currently able to obtain adequate supplies of aircraft fuel, including fuel produced by Monroe or procured through the exchange of non-jet
fuel products the refinery produces, and crude oil for Monroe's operations. However, 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 refining capacity, environmental concerns and other
unpredictable events may result in future fuel supply shortages and fuel price increases.
Frequent Flyer Program
Our SkyMiles
®
frequent flyer program ("SkyMiles 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 credit for travel awards by flying on Delta, its 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 the 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 2014 , program members redeemed more than 296 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for 12.5 million award redemptions. During this
period, 7.4% 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, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico 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 2014, the total revenue from these businesses was
approximately $850 million.
Distribution and Expanded Product Offerings
Our tickets are sold through various distribution channels including delta.com and mobile, telephone reservations and traditional "brick and mortar"
and online travel agencies. An increasing number of our tickets are sold through Delta digital channels, which reduces our distribution costs and gives
us improved and direct, personalized interaction 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 to third-
party consumers.
• Our private jet operations, Delta Private Jets, provides aircraft charters, aircraft management and programs allowing members to purchase
flight time by the hour.