Ray Curtis and Delta part company

Ray Curtis, vice president, global cargo sales, for Delta, is parting company with the airline, The Loadstar has learned.

The news comes amid declining sales in Delta’s cargo arm and a recent management reshuffle. Delta appointed Gareth Joyce as president of cargo in May.

Cargo revenue at Delta fell 25.3% in the first quarter of 2016, amounting to just 1.7% of the carrier’s total revenues. In the fourth quarter, its cargo revenue fell 21%, while overall in 2015, it fell 13%.

None of the US airlines had glowing cargo results – but in comparison, American saw cargo revenues fall 16.8% in the first quarter and United saw a 19.8% decline.

Delta took the decision in 2014 to realign its cargo management. As Tony Charaf, former cargo boss retired, the carrier decided to split cargo into two – with sales to report to passenger sales, and cargo operations folded into passenger operations.

Mr Curtis was reporting directly to Steve Sear, who was promoted earlier this year to EVP global sales. Bob Somers took on the job of VP global sales.

Bill Lentsch continues as SVP airport operations and cargo operations, according to the carrier’s website. Scott Barkley, who reported to Mr Lentsch and who was managing director global cargo operations, left the carrier at the end of last year. And Kristen Shovlin, vp commercial operations, is also now named on the Delta Cargo team.

Mr Curtis joined Delta in 2008, and the following year led the integration of Northwest Cargo Sales into Delta Cargo. Prior to that, he was director of strategic accounts at United Cargo and had also worked at Northwest’s cargo arm.

While the news of Mr Curtis’ departure was confirmed by several sources, Delta did not respond to enquiries by The Loadstar.