Microsoft criticizes Delta for flight cancellations: 'Incomplete and incorrect representations'

The software giant Microsoft has reprimanded the airline Delta Air Lines for its exaggerated blame concerning the cancellation of thousands of flights due to a technology outage. In a letter handed over to The New York Times, which was exchanged between the lawyers of both companies, Microsoft accuses Delta of deflecting from its own shortcomings and spreading false information. According to Microsoft, Delta's public and legal statements are 'incomplete, incorrect, misleading, and damaging.' In the letter addressed to David Boies of the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, Microsoft attorney Mark Cheffo stated: 'The truth does not align with the false image that you and Delta are trying to paint.' In July, the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike had released a defective software update to Windows users, which incapacitated numerous computer systems at various companies, including several airlines. While most airlines recovered quickly, Delta struggled for days and ultimately had to cancel about 5,000 flights over four days—more than a third of their entire flight schedule. According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, the incident cost the airline around 500 million dollars. Microsoft emphasized its empathy for Delta and its customers, highlighting that it offered the airline immediate, free support. However, Delta repeatedly declined these offers from July 19 to 23. Even a direct offer of contact from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to Ed Bastian went unanswered. Microsoft suspected that Delta's resistant stance was probably due to the airline primarily struggling with an outdated computer system maintained by other companies such as IBM. The technology firm also criticized Delta's outdated IT infrastructure. Microsoft finally demanded that Delta preserve all relevant documents regarding the disruption and announced it would 'vigorously defend itself' should Delta decide to file a lawsuit.