Mary Gbobaniyi: One Year of Impactful Leadership at Delta

Delta Air Lines’ Manager of Sales for West Africa reflects on a milestone year, from deploying next-generation aircraft to launching a premium lounge in Lagos, while championing women in aviation.

Mary, congratulations on your one-year anniversary at Delta! What does this milestone mean to you?

Thank you! This milestone is very special to me. One year at Delta has been a journey of growth, learning and immense pride.

Working with global airline that values diversity and excellence has helped me stretch professionally while staying true to my values. It’s a reminder that the right environment brings out the best in people.

What has been the most exciting part of working with Delta so far?

Honestly, the people. From our local team to our global colleagues, there’s a strong culture of support and innovation. I’ve also enjoyed being part of Delta’s expansion, especially seeing more passengers across West Africa explore the U.S. comfortably on our direct Lagos–Atlanta, Accra-New York and Dakar-New York flights. Knowing that my work contributes to that experience is deeply fulfilling.

You joined Delta at an interesting time, what are some of the milestones the airline has achieved in West Africa over the past year?

Yes, it’s been an exciting time. One of the most significant milestones is Delta’s upcoming deployment of our newest generation aircraft — the Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo, on both the Lagos–Atlanta and Lagos–New York JFK routes, starting this October. These aircrafts offer our customers a superior experience, with more space, better fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

Additionally, our seasonal ACC-ATL route, will be newly introduced to accommodate the surge in year-end travel demand and complement our existing JFK-ACC service, providing passengers with greater flexibility.

Beyond aircraft upgrades, we also unveiled a new premium lounge in Lagos this July, designed to enhance comfort for our premium customers before their flights. These improvements show how committed Delta is to investing in these markets and giving our customers the best experience possible.

What do these investments, like the next-gen aircraft and new lounge, say about Delta’s long-term vision for Nigeria?

It shows that Delta sees Nigeria not just as a market, but as a strategic hub in Africa. By investing in our Nigeria operations — whether through new aircraft, customer experience enhancements, or strengthening our local team, Delta is affirming its long-term commitment to the region. We’re here to grow with Nigeria, and to connect more Nigerians to the world with comfort, reliability, and style.

From a sales and customer perspective, how have Nigerian travellers responded to these upgrades?

The feedback has been fantastic. Our Nigerian customers are savvy, global travellers who truly value comfort and quality. The next-gen aircraft and premium lounge have generated a lot of excitement.

We’ve also seen increased interest in our nonstop Lagos–Atlanta route, especially from business and diaspora travellers. Nigerian customers appreciate when a brand listens and evolves with their expectations, and Delta is doing just that.

Beyond aviation, Delta has also been involved in community initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa. Could you share more about that?

Absolutely. Delta is deeply committed to the communities we serve, and our partnership with Junior Achievement Africa is one of the ways we empower the next generation. Through STEM Innovation Camps in Nigeria and other African countries, we’ve reached hundreds of young students, challenging them to solve real societal problems through creativity and technology. Our leaders and volunteers also engage directly with students to share career insights, including opportunities in aviation.

We also proudly sponsor Junior Achievement’s annual Company of the Year Competition, where student teams from across Africa pitch business ideas. Delta sponsors the “Girls LEAD! Award,” which helps young women gain leadership skills and take part in the LEAD Camp, a program that started in Nigeria but has now expanded across Africa with Delta’s support. This camp focuses on career planning, financial literacy, health, and personal development, and it’s inspiring to see how much it transforms these young women.

In addition, our community outreach extends to health and wellness through our work with Breast Care International (BCI). For nearly a decade, we’ve supported breast cancer awareness and early detection programs, helping to educate thousands of women and girls across Africa. Events like the Walk for a Cure in Ghana, which draws thousands of participants annually, show how Delta uses its platform to advocate for wellness in the communities we fly to.

As a woman in leadership, what does it mean to you to represent Delta in West Africa?

It’s both an honour and a responsibility. Representation matters, especially in industries like aviation where leadership is still male-dominated. I want young African women to see that they can lead global brands and stay authentic. Delta encourages inclusion, and I’m proud to be part of that culture, not just internally, but also through our community programs….especially here in Nigeria where female leadership is growing stronger every day.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to work in aviation or corporate leadership?

Believe in your voice and invest in your growth. Stay curious, stay teachable, and never underestimate the power of preparation. Also, find mentors who reflect the future you desire, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek feedback.