[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E390-E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING JOHN LAUGHTER ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NIKEMA WILLIAMS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2026

  Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Mr. John Laughter on his retirement from Delta Air Lines after 
more than three decades of distinguished service.
  Over the course of 32 years, John has built a remarkable record of 
leadership and service that has left a lasting mark on one of our 
Nation's leading airlines and on the thousands of employees he has 
guided and inspired.
  John began his career at Delta TechOps as an aircraft liaison 
engineer. From those early days, he steadily rose through the ranks, 
leading teams through some of the most challenging and exciting periods 
in the company's history. He helped rebuild the airline following 
Delta's emergence from Chapter 11, playing a critical role in restoring 
the strength and reliability of the airline's operations. He also 
steered the integration of Delta and Northwest

[[Page E391]]

Airlines that enabled a successful merger, significantly expanding 
Delta's domestic and international footprint. This strategic 
unification not only broadened Delta's route network across the United 
States but also strengthened its global reach--connecting more 
communities and offering enhanced travel options to customers 
worldwide.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, John led Delta's operational response 
at a moment of unprecedented uncertainty. Under enormous pressure, he 
helped maintain safe, secure, and reliable service, preserving an 
essential part of our national transportation infrastructure and 
supporting countless workers and communities that depend on air travel.
  Under John's leadership, Delta's TechOps Maintenance, Repair, and 
Overhaul business has bolstered the airline's resilience and 
competitiveness. Today, the MRO business stands as a significant source 
of revenue for Delta, providing maintenance services to other airlines 
around the world and setting Delta apart from its peers through its 
scale, technical expertise, and industry-leading reliability. By 
leveraging its world-class MRO capabilities, Delta has not only 
strengthened its own operations but also established itself as a 
trusted partner in the global aviation community.
  John has also been a tireless champion of safety, helping establish 
Delta's safety management system and insisting on the accountability 
and culture necessary to keep employees and customers safe. Navigating 
an increasing changing threat environment and global events, he ensured 
Delta remains focused on the security of our people, our customers, and 
our operations.
  At the same time, he has leaned into innovation and the passenger 
experience, guaranteeing our customers the latest in security 
technology, as well as providing a seamless' and secure travel 
experience from curb to gate.
  In every role he has held, John championed operational excellence. He 
inspired Delta's people to take pride in delivering a safe, clean, and 
on-time operation that customers could trust to connect them to the 
people and places that matter most. But colleagues will tell you that 
his greatest legacy is not only the systems he built, but the people he 
supported. John has been known throughout his career as a servant 
leader and a steadfast advocate for Delta's people-focused culture. He 
has always understood that operational excellence flows from great 
people who are cared for, respected, and inspired to be at their best. 
His deep, personal connection with frontline teams has been central to 
his leadership and to the success of Delta Air Lines.
  Mr. Speaker, John Laughter's last day at Delta will be April 30. As 
he begins his next chapter, he looks forward to spending more time with 
his family, especially his first grandson. On behalf of my constituents 
and this body, I offer him our sincere gratitude for his decades of 
service, and our best wishes for a long, healthy, and fulfilling 
retirement.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. John Laughter on 
his well-earned retirement and in recognizing his vast contributions to 
the people and customers of Delta Air Lines and to the broader aviation 
community.

                          ____________________