Delta's CEO gives a blunt reality check on AI hype (Ed Bastian) | Rapid Response

Few companies have a better real-time read on the American economy than Delta, and few CEOs are more willing to say what they actually think. Ed Bastian returns to Rapid Response to share what Delta’s booking data is telling him that the headlines aren’t, why he’s not convinced by AI until it moves his top line, and how he decided to yank congressional travel perks during the government shutdown. He also explains what it takes to stay optimistic when fuel costs are spiking, the Strait of Hormuz is in the news, and the world keeps finding new ways to be unpredictable. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Ed Bastian 01:20 How Delta prepares for constant disruption 04:33 Why premium travelers still absorb higher prices 06:39 What Delta's booking data reveals about the economy 10:07 Delta CEO: "AI is not trusted" 15:14 When CEOs should speak up on social issues 17:16 Separating real AI returns from runaway hype 21:02 The future of air travel 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xeCvuJ... 💻 LEARN MORE Our website: https://rapidresponseshow.com ⚡JOIN OUR COMMUNITY LinkedIn:   / 102897258   Facebook:   / rapidresponseshow   Instagram:   / rapidresponseshow   X:   / rapidresponsehq   TikTok:   / rapidresponseshow   💡ABOUT US The pace of change in our culture is unprecedented and shows no signs of slowing. So what is most important to pay attention to when striving to innovate, create, and lead? From the team behind Masters of Scale, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today's top business leaders (from companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Apple) navigating real-time challenges. Hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company, Bob Safian. With guests like Airbnb's Brian Chesky, celebrity chef José Andrés, and former Apple executive Angela Ahrendts, Rapid Response features recognized leaders and under-heard industry voices speaking candidly on their approach to the latest cultural shift. #business #businessnews #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #rapidresponse #businessleadership #leadership #leader #ceo #csuite #economy #delta #deltaairlines #airtravel #airplane #flight #ai #artificialintelligence #aiforbusiness #travel #future #tech #technology #businessstrategy