From Cargo Pilot to Delta Air Lines’ Aircraft Acquisition Team: Crystal Barrois

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René talks with Crystal Barrois, Delta Air Lines captain and General Manager of Aircraft Acquisitions. From her early days as a regional and cargo pilot to leading Delta’s entry-into-service programs, she shares how curiosity, relationships, and intentionality have shaped her career. She offers an inside look at what it really takes to bring a new aircraft into an airline’s fleet—and why her mantra “keep climbing” applies to both aviation and life.Tune in as they discuss:Her path from flying cargo overseas to captain and fleet leadership at DeltaWhat aircraft acquisitions really involve beyond signing a contractThe importance of organization, intentionality, and strong networks in career growthLessons from navigating ambiguity and making decisions with limited controlCrystal’s path from ramp agent to senior operations manager shows how curiosity, adaptability, and persistence can open doors across the industry. Her story highlights the often-unseen work that keeps aircraft and people moving safely every day. From operations and training to mentoring the next generation, she proves that aviation careers are built as much on resilience and problem-solving as they are on technical skill.About Crystal BarroisCrystal Barrois is the General Manager of Aircraft Acquisitions on the Delta Air Lines Fleet team, overseeing Delta’s new aircraft Entry into Service (EIS) programs. Also a Delta Captain, Crystal has operated several aircraft in the Delta fleet, including the B-737, B757/767, and A320.In 2014, Crystal was hired by Delta following a 10-year career as a commercial airline pilot. In 2016, Crystal recognized a need to increase the recruitment, retention, and promotion of top talent in both the Delta pilot hiring and leadership pipelines. She created and led the ASCEND program, focused on cultivating a diverse bench of talent for leadership roles in Flight Operations. She later served as the Manager of Pilot Development, responsible for implementing and overseeing several initiatives including the Delta Propel Company and Community Career Path Programs. She also helped design and launch Delta’s first pilot maternity uniform. Prior to Delta, Crystal flew as a civilian pilot for regional, foreign, and cargo air carriers. She has an extensive aviation background as a domestic and international pilot and has held several leadership roles including Line Check Pilot, Base Manager, and peer committee volunteer. Crystal earned her pilot wings at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science in 2004.Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ Connect with UsSubscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls