Steven Sear

Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Distribution, Delta Air Lines

Search every verified Steven Sear interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Steven Sear, Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Distribution at Delta Air Lines, appeared on the Travel Again Podcast on November 5, 2024. During the interview, he discussed Delta’s investments in airport infrastructure, noting that the company committed over $12 billion to real estate projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described this as a decision made during uncertainty, when empty airports and limited labor allowed projects to be completed quickly and on budget. Sear also addressed passenger expectations, stating that travelers consistently prioritize fast airport processing, and that Delta has invested in technologies like CLEAR and digital ID to speed that experience. He expressed optimism about CLEAR’s potential, while acknowledging the need to improve the overall airport journey. Sear additionally commented on the broader airline industry, observing that low-cost carriers such as Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier have faced challenges in finding their footing. He suggested that healthy competition across all industry segments is important, as it helps maintain checks and balances, though he noted that carrier shutdowns or severe struggles would not benefit the industry. He framed these observations within the context of strong overall travel demand, which he said could help struggling carriers find their way.