Microsoft Refutes Delta Air Lines' Claim, Cites Outdated Tech for Slow Recovery

Microsoft argued that Delta Air Lines' outdated technology is likely responsible for its slowed recovery as opposed to its damaging claims against the tech giant and CrowdStrike.

Delta Air Lines previously stated that the global IT outage cost the airline an estimated loss of $500 million and has threatened to sue Microsoft and CrowdStrike.

Microsoft Says Delta's Statement is 'Misleading'

In a letter penned by Microsoft's lawyer, the company described Delta's statements as "incomplete, false, misleading, and damaging to Microsoft and its reputation." CrowdStrike also shared the same sentiment with the airline.

"Our preliminary review suggests that Delta, unlike its competitors, apparently has not modernized its IT infrastructure, either for the benefit of its customers or for its pilots and flight attendants," said Attorney Mark Cheffo in a response to Delta's lawyer.

Delta argued that it has invested in improving its technological capabilities since 2016. The company claimed to have been spending billions of dollars in IT operating costs.

Microsoft, CrowdStrike Offered Help to Delta

Microsoft said that the company offered to provide help to Delta from July 19 until July 23. According to the tech giant, the airline declined the help despite having their senior executives reach out to them.

Likewise, CrowdStrike shared a similar incident. CEO George Kurtz revealed that he has personally contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian but received no response.

Microsoft alleged that Delta's crew-tracking and scheduling system, which was said to be damaged, does not run using Microsoft Windows or Azure. The tech giant claimed that Delta might have refused help from Microsoft due to using other technology providers.

Delta's Bastian dismissed the companies' claims of offering help. "They haven't offered anything-free consulting advice to help us," he said in an interview last week on CNBC.

The airline is currently conducting an intensive analysis of the event while navigating concerns about the total damage caused by the outage.