Delta TechOps’ annual Ride 4 the Fight cycling event raised over $17,000 for cancer research this year. The event, which began in 2017 after Maintenance Manager Emiel Akkermans lost a close friend to cancer, has grown steadily since its inception. Supported by Jerry Allen, Senior Vice President of Delta TechOps Operations, the first ride took place in Brussels with about 75 cyclists covering a route from Brussels to Amsterdam.
On September 27, the ninth edition of Ride 4 the Fight brought together 150 riders in Nijmegen, Netherlands—the largest turnout so far. Participants included Delta employees from various departments and more than ten stations worldwide such as JFK, SEA, BOS, ATL, MSP, DUB, FRA, AMS, SLC, DTW and MSP. Cyclists could choose from four different routes; the longest spanned just over 100 miles to mark Delta’s centennial year. The course passed through Nijmegen’s historic sites and Dutch countryside and crossed into Germany at points.
The event was supported by co-sponsor EV Cargo with custom Delta Centennial cycling jerseys. Gate Gourmet provided food and drinks while Tomas Planken and Joy Rides rentals supplied bikes for participants.
Thanks to donations from riders and fundraisers organized by TechOps employees prior to the event, more than $17,000 (15,000 euros) was donated to the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). The funds will support cancer research and provide resources for people currently affected by cancer.
“Delta TechOps’ support for the Dutch Cancer Society in the Ride 4 the Fight today is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to help those in need — a core part of Delta’s culture of giving back to our communities,” said Jerry Allen.
“It’s amazing to work for a company and a leader like Jerry, who backed this event and sponsors us to do this every year,” Emiel Akkermans said. “Watching the event grow each year is truly inspiring. Thank you to every sponsor, supporter and rider who made this possible.”
The Delta TechOps team based in Amsterdam consists of 27 employees who manage maintenance operations for 17 daily flights out of Schiphol Airport. Their responsibilities extend across several European cities including Rome, Copenhagen, Geneva, Zurich, Athens, Stockholm, Brussels and Lagos.
Community engagement is central at Delta stations globally. Recently before Ride 4 the Fight took place, the AMS TechOps and ACS teams collaborated with Stichting Hoogvliegers and Royal Schiphol Group on an aviation experience day for children with special needs aboard Delta aircraft.
Additionally, the team supports future aircraft mechanics through educational programs and partnerships with local technical colleges.
In October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Delta marks its two-decade partnership with Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which has contributed $33 million toward more than 660,000 hours of research funding.
