Delta Air Lines is giving its employees a $1.5 billion reward (DAL)

REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Delta Air Lines announced on Friday that its 80,000 employees will receive $1.5 billion in profit-sharing.

According to the airline, this is the largest amount ever paid out in the history of profit-sharing programs.

For Delta's employees, individuals will receive the equivalent of 21% of their annual compensation.

"We are often asked what makes Delta different,” Delta CEO Richard Anderson and President Ed Bastian said in a memo to employees.

"The difference is you. Our unique people-focused culture is the advantage that none of our competitors can match."

According to AirwaysNews, Delta's profit-sharing plan is structured to so that employees are returned roughly 10% of profits, but can escalate to 20% if the company earns more than $2.5 billion a year.