Departure of Delta's Song Unit Boss Stirs Questions

During Selvaggio's tenure, Delta unveiled a number of new tricks, especially with regards to efficiency, cutting down on the time it took to get passengers on and off planes. Airport kiosks bloomed under his watch, as did new customer service initiatives, like Delta's food-for-sale program.

While the loss is notable, it is unlikely to disrupt the unit's growth because Song had a close-knit management team. Joanne Smith, Song's vice president of marketing, will become Song's interim head until a replacement is named.

"All in all, I think this is a nonevent," said Becker. "I think Song is bigger than one executive. And you don't need a zillion vice presidents to run a company."

In reaction to the news, shares of Delta rose 12 cents, or 3.5%, to $3.57.