Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian has expressed optimism about the incoming Trump administration, stating it could bring a 'breath of fresh air' for the airline industry, which has faced what he termed 'government overreach' under President Biden. Bastian highlighted Trump's campaign promises to reform federal regulations and reduce bureaucracy, reflecting airlines' frustrations with recent consumer protection rules, including automatic refunds for canceled flights. Delta, which has reported strong profits and growth forecasts, is also under federal investigation for its slow recovery from a technology outage. While Bastian's comments align with other airline executives who advocate for regulatory changes, consumer advocates warn that a Trump administration might roll back protections. Additionally, Trump has nominated Sean Duffy as the new transportation secretary, raising industry expectations for a more favorable regulatory environment. The overall sentiment among airline leaders is a desire for stability and investment in infrastructure as they navigate post-pandemic recovery.