Microsoft has teamed up with cybersecurity software firm CrowdStrike to counter Delta Air Lines' accusations that the companies were responsible for thousands of canceled flights due to a technology outage last month. A lawyer for Microsoft clarified that Delta's key IT system is likely serviced by other technology providers, not Microsoft Windows.
The lawyer criticized Delta's claims as incomplete, false, and damaging to Microsoft's reputation. Microsoft is investigating why other airlines were able to restore operations more quickly than Delta.
This dispute marks an escalation in the conflict between the tech companies and the Atlanta-based airline. Delta's CEO stated that the global technology outage, stemming from a faulty upgrade by CrowdStrike on machines running Microsoft Windows, incurred a $500 million cost to the airline and hinted at potential legal action.
Delta highlighted its substantial investments in reliable service, including billions of dollars in IT capital expenditures since 2016 and significant annual IT costs. The airline refrained from further comment on the matter.
Both CrowdStrike and Microsoft refuted Delta's allegations, stating that the airline declined their assistance in recovering from the outage. Microsoft's lawyer mentioned that CEO Satya Nadella reached out to Delta's CEO during the incident, but received no response.
