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Archive for August, 2012


Concourse G at MSP Gets a New Look

Published August 31st, 2012 in delta.com | 1 Comment →

Hello Everyone,

This week at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, we are excited to begin rolling out an amazing combination of high-quality food and beverages and hi-tech amenities that will change the way passengers experience the airport.

So far, nearly 250 iPads have been deployed among three new local chef-driven restaurants on Concourse G. But, by the time we are finished with this project at the end of 2013, there will be 2,500 iPads among 12 new restaurants and fresh markets. Additionally, all of the seating in the gate areas will be renovated to incorporate iPads and make more efficient use of the space.

We feel that the iPads are a great addition for our customers as they will be able to use them for a variety of different things.  The will be able to order food, browse the web and track their flight information. After speaking with some customers, I have gathered that the technology helps them to feel more comfortable and in control as they can relax while they dine rather than having to stay near the gate to track their flight status.

The three new restaurants are Minnibar – an upscale sandwich bar from Twin Cities resident and TV personality Andrew Zimmern; Mimosa – a French country eatery and raw bar from Chef Russell Klein of St. Paul’s Meritage; and Shoyu – a modern Japanese restaurant and sushi bar from Tanpopo’s Koshiko Yonemura. I had the Sake sushi roll at Shoyu earlier this week and, I must say, it was outstanding!

Our partners at OTG Management are working hard to help bring these amazing food and technology to the airport.

Improving the experience at MSP airport is our way of showing that we are listening and committed to investing in our hub. We hope that these enhancements on the ground, coupled with our in-flight investments, such as full flatbed seats in BusinessElite and Wi-Fi on more than 800 aircraft, will make for a unique traveling experience on Delta that no other carrier can match.

Thanks,

Bill Lentsch – SVP Minnesota Operations

First-Ever Kids’ State Dinner

Published August 21st, 2012 in Community | 2 Comments →

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I was honored to represent Delta at the first ever Kids’ State Dinner with First Lady Michelle Obama. Attendees were the child creators of winning recipes in the Epicurious Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. They were flown – most of them on Delta, of course – toWashington, DC for a very special meal at the White House. The menu featured dishes from the Lunchtime Challenge. You can view  the menu and download recipes at LetsMove.gov.

 

As you might imagine, the attention to detail at this event was exceptional. The luncheon mirrored official State Dinners, from the formal introduction of each guest and the state they were representing to elaborate place settings with Presidential china. A phenomenal balloonist worked his magic and the U.S. Marine Band played while the children waited for the First Lady’s arrival. In the Dining Room, the centerpieces included edibles like sugar snap peas, artichokes and red raspberries. And, of course, the menu featured the winning recipes from the young chefs in attendance.

 

The 54 winners – one from each state andU.S.territory – were chosen from more than 1,200 entries. These young people came from varying backgrounds. For some, this was their first time away from their home state and for many it was their first time traveling on an airplane. One winner I spoke with entered the contest because she is battling obesity and her mom thought it would be a cool way to introduce her to different foods and healthy eating. Since learning she was a finalist, the girl had lost 3 lbs and hadn’t had soda or chips in weeks.
During the Dinner, I watched as every child tried everything on their plate. And the dishes served – from the kale to the quinoa to the bakes zucchini fries – were met with enthusiasm and enjoyment. One young lady at my table was so engrossed in the food that she found it hard to pull away to shake the President’s hand.

 

In the end, the children really felt special and that’s what it was all about. One commented to me that she felt like she was someone important.  I agreed that she was one of the most important people in the room.

 

As part of our Force for Global Good, Delta supports organizations focused on improving global wellness. So, I’m proud of our involvement in this event. It’s truly an investment in our children and our futures.

Thank you,

Sandy Gordon, VP – In-flight Service