Delta Air Lines will welcome 100 employees Thursday into the ranks of its Chairman's Club, the airline's most prestigious honor, recognizing those who embody Delta values and who distinguish themselves with their exceptional service to customers and the community. Delta will celebrate the 2015 Chairman's Club honorees at its 19th annual gala at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta.

"This year is well on its way to becoming another exceptional year for Delta thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Our Chairman's Club honorees exemplify the Delta Difference, embodying the Rules of the Road and living out Delta's values-based culture. We are grateful for the example they provide all of us on how to care for each other and our customers."

More than 10,700 nominations were received during the nomination process this year. Each year only 100 employees are selected from the 80,000 Delta employees worldwide. The honorees were named following a rigorous review and selection process by business-unit committee made up of former Chairman's Club honorees, frontline and management employees.

This year's honorees represent 27 cities in six countries, and on average, have 22 years of service at Delta. The most experienced honoree has worked at Delta for 49 years.

The annual Chairman's Club gala allows Delta's senior leaders to individually recognize honorees for their service. The night will begin with a walk down the red carpet to the cheers of their colleagues outside the Delta Flight Museum. Once inside, honorees will be treated to a cocktail reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres crafted by members of Delta's culinary team, chefs Linton Hopkins and Michelle Bernstein, who will both be on hand. Additionally, master sommelier Andrea Robinson will provide a wine tasting experience, followed by a multi-course dinner, an award ceremony and an after dinner celebration with music and dessert.

"Tonight is always one of my favorite nights at Delta as we celebrate our distinguished honorees at the annual Chairman's Club gala," said Delta President Ed Bastian. "Our honorees are truly the best in the business and I am so proud to work alongside them each and every day."

The Chairman's Club is part of Delta's commitment to recognizing the people who care for its customers each day and continuing to build a great place to work.