Outlook points to strong profit growth in 2026
Delta Air Lines expects its earnings to rise more than 20% this year compared with 2025, supported by resilient travel demand and a growing share of high-spending customers. Chief executive Ed Bastian said the airline could reach record profitability if current trends hold.
The carrier forecast adjusted earnings per share of between $6.50 and $7.50 for the year, broadly in line with market expectations. Delta also projected sales growth of up to 7% in the first quarter of 2026, with adjusted earnings of between $0.50 and $0.90 per share, reflecting continued strength despite macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Premium cabin outpaces main cabin
Bastian said Delta continues to benefit from a so-called K-shaped economy, where higher-income consumers remain willing to spend on travel. The airline plans to concentrate virtually all of its seat growth in premium cabins rather than the main cabin.
In the fourth quarter, main cabin ticket revenue declined 7% year over year to $5.62 billion. In contrast, premium ticket revenue rose 9% to nearly $5.7 billion, surpassing standard coach revenue earlier than Delta had previously anticipated. For the full year, main cabin revenue still exceeded premium classes, but the gap continues to narrow.
Quarterly results beat expectations
Delta reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.55 for the fourth quarter, slightly above Wall Street expectations, on adjusted revenue of $14.61 billion. Including one-time items, net profit reached $1.22 billion, up nearly 45% from a year earlier, on total revenue of $16 billion.
The airline said bookings from both leisure and corporate travelers remain strong at the start of the year. However, Bastian struck a cautious tone, noting that geopolitical risks and domestic policy uncertainty could still weigh on demand.
Fleet expansion with Boeing order
Delta also announced an order for 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, marking its first purchase of the long-haul aircraft from the U.S. manufacturer. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2031, underscoring how airlines are locking in aircraft slots well into the next decade.
The carrier has options for 30 additional 787-10s. Delta previously leaned heavily on Airbus wide-body jets after retiring its Boeing 777 fleet during the pandemic, making the new order a notable shift in its long-haul strategy.
