Atlanta, Georgia – Delta Air Lines, one of the leading carriers in the United States, began the airline earnings season with packed planes but facing pressure on its profits. The company reported that costs are rising, and increased capacity is weighing on fares, leading to a challenging financial outlook.
In the third quarter, Delta expects to grow its flying capacity by 5% to 6%, a slower pace compared to the 8% expansion it saw in the previous quarter. Despite this growth, the company fell short of Wall Street estimates in the three months ending June 30, with adjusted revenue at $15.4 billion, up 5.4% from the previous year.
CEO Ed Bastian expressed confidence in the company’s performance in the second quarter, noting a strong showing despite challenges in the domestic marketplace. Delta highlighted that corporate travel is on the rise, with customers expected to maintain or increase their spending in the coming months.
Revenue from international travel remained robust since the decline caused by the pandemic, although increased schedules are heightening competition among airlines. Delta mentioned that unit revenue for trans-Atlantic flights may be impacted by the summer Olympics in Paris, leading to a temporary decrease in earnings.
Looking ahead, Delta anticipates breaking more revenue records in the current quarter, expecting sales to rise by up to 4%. Despite a slightly lower-than-expected earnings outlook, Delta stands out in the airline industry as the most profitable U.S. carrier.
The airline reported growth in premium ticket sales in the second quarter, particularly in first-class tickets, while revenue from coach tickets saw a modest increase. Delta’s partnership with American Express also contributed significantly to its revenue, with a notable increase from the previous year.
Delta remains optimistic about its full-year earnings forecast of $6 to $7 per share and aims to generate free cash flow of up to $4 billion. The company’s focus on premium seats and diversified revenue streams has helped insulate it from the challenges posed by industry overcapacity, setting it apart from its competitors in the airline sector.