ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) is making a significant operational shift at its busiest hub, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The change will impact hundreds of contract workers.
The airline has decided to end its commissary services contract with Unifi Aviation. This will result in close to 379 employees facing layoffs by the end of September 2025.
The airline disclosed the change in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filing earlier this month. It was confirmed that multiple staff working in various commissary roles will be affected, including assembly agents, drivers, and support personnel. These workers are responsible for stocking Delta flights with food, beverages, and other in-flight supplies.
Photo: Babatunde Akande Ojo, Customer Liaison Analyst, NewrestDelta Major Change for Workers
Starting this fall, Newrest will take over Delta’s commissary operations in Atlanta. Newrest is a global catering and logistics company with operations in more than 50 countries. Delta has emphasized that this is a vendor transition rather than a complete elimination of jobs.
Delta says that many Unifi employees are being encouraged to join Newrest’s workforce. For those who prefer to remain with Unifi, the company says it will offer other positions at the airport when available. Still, there is no guarantee all affected employees will find equivalent roles.
A Delta spokesperson described the move as “a strategic step to ensure the airline’s catering operations remain efficient, reliable, and aligned with global service standards.”
Why Did Delta Make the Move?
The shifting of ground service providers is common in the airline industry. However, such changes carry real consequences for the people involved. Many Unifi employees at Hartsfield–Jackson have worked on Delta contracts for years.
For these employees, this change represents uncertainty over job security and workplace culture. Labor experts note that while contracts change hands frequently in aviation support services, workers often face challenges in retaining benefits or wages when switching employers.
“Airlines look at cost control and efficiency, but there’s always a human element to these transitions,” said an aviation labor consultant. Delta has not elaborated on the financial details of the change, but analysts point to two likely drivers:
- Operational consistency — Consolidating catering services under a global provider like Newrest can streamline processes and integrate supply chains across hubs.
- Post-pandemic optimization — Airlines are still adjusting to new travel patterns, labor availability, and cost pressures. Vendor changes can be part of a broader network review.
The move also reflects the increasing role of specialized catering providers in large-scale airline operations. Newrest, which already services major carriers worldwide, offers not only meal preparation but also onboard logistics, cleaning, and supply chain management.
Photo: DJs AviationWhat’s Next for Affected Employees?
The layoffs will take effect between September 30 and October 6, 2025. Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson remains one of the world’s busiest airports, which could provide opportunities for reemployment, but the transition period may still be challenging.
Union representation for the workers is not publicly confirmed, which could limit collective bargaining power during the change. However, both Unifi and Newrest have stated their intention to facilitate smooth onboarding for those willing to transfer.
The airline’s partnership with Newrest also signals a continued trend toward outsourcing non-core functions to specialized providers. This helps airlines to achieve efficiency gains while keeping the costs low.
Photo: Clément AlloingBottom Line
The closure, set to conclude by year-end, will reshape Delta’s maintenance landscape, potentially setting a precedent for further consolidations. The outcome of union negotiations and the success of new MRO partnerships will be critical.
For passengers, the impact of this transition is likely to be minimal, as Delta and Newrest work to ensure seamless service continuity. Behind the scenes, however, the change represents a major shakeup for the people who keep Delta flights stocked and ready for takeoff each day.
Whether this move becomes a blueprint for similar changes at other Delta hubs—or a point of debate over labor practices in the airline industry—remains to be seen. For now, the airline says the focus will be on ensuring operations remain smooth.
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The post Delta Makes Major Change Affecting Nearly 400 Workers at Atlanta Airport appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
