As Delta Air Lines continues to lead the U.S. airline industry in profitability, CEO Ed Bastian’s mission is to sustain this dominant position. In 2023, Delta’s unit revenue, reflecting earnings per seat mile, surpassed its competitors. The airline’s share price surged nearly 23% in 2024, outpacing both rivals and the S&P 500. Delta anticipates a 50% increase in free cash flow this year, aiming for a return to investment-grade credit status. Additionally, Delta topped the punctuality charts with over 83% of flights arriving on time, as reported by the Transportation Department.
United Airlines, second only to Delta in net profit margins, is vying to improve its profitability further. “Knowing that there’s someone that thinks that they can take that mantle from us, that keeps us on our toes and keeps us continuing to drive hard,” Bastian remarked.
Delta has cemented its status as America’s premium airline, attracting numerous high-spending travelers, many of whom are American Express cardholders. This partnership generated nearly $7 billion for Delta last year. Revenue from Delta’s premium seating options continues to grow faster than standard coach seats.
In the competitive landscape for luxury travelers, both Delta and United have enhanced their aircraft with more premium seating. These upgrades cater to passengers willing to pay significant surcharges for extra legroom or lie-flat beds in business class.
Bastian, who took his first flight at age 25, is dedicated to maintaining Delta’s premium brand image. On Wednesday, Delta will launch its newest and largest airport lounge at JFK International Airport for Delta One passengers, featuring a 39,000-square-foot space with luxurious amenities, including spa treatments and a full restaurant.
Delta’s strategy includes opening similar lounges in Boston and Los Angeles later this year and exploring additional locations. “The thing with this industry is no good idea goes uncopied,” said Raymond James airline analyst Savanthi Syth.
United is responding by placing substantial orders for new Boeing and Airbus aircraft and upgrading its narrow-body cabins with advanced technology. United’s chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, expressed confidence in their growth, saying, “If we continue to invest in our customers through great service and great products and great network, we know that will feed upon itself and it’ll help us achieve the financial results that we’re looking for.”
As Delta, United, and American Airlines approach their centennials, they are adapting to changing travel demands while striving for profitability. United is expanding its global network, recently adding destinations like Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Amman, Jordan. Patrick Quayle, United’s head of network planning, highlighted the airline’s success in adding Cape Town, South Africa, a move now mirrored by competitors.
The current climate poses challenges for U.S. airlines, with rising labor and operational costs impacting margins despite high travel demand. The increased capacity in the market has led to fare discounts during off-peak times.
Delta’s approach to improving its operations began with basic customer service enhancements, including reducing cancellations and improving baggage handling. Former CEO Richard Anderson emphasized the importance of consistent, reliable service in building the brand. Delta also invested in avoiding maintenance problems and enhancing its image through strategic marketing.
The merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008 provided Delta with stability and allowed it to expand globally, giving it an edge over competitors still recovering from bankruptcies and mergers. Delta’s focus on reliability benefits both customers and employees. “They’re not having to explain for a cancellation or mishandled luggage,” Bastian noted.
Delta stands out as the least unionized major U.S. airline, with about 20% of its workforce unionized. In April, amid unionization efforts, Delta raised worker pay again.
With the basics covered, Delta has shifted to more ambitious projects under Bastian’s leadership, investing heavily in premium services and expanding in key markets like New York and Los Angeles. Delta has also built global alliances and joint ventures, such as its partnership with Virgin Atlantic, enhancing its premium offerings.
Delta continues to upgrade its terminals and luxury airport lounges, tied to its lucrative American Express credit card deal. The airline has invested over $12 billion in modernizing its U.S. hubs, introducing amenities like free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.
Despite setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic and a major system outage in 2016, Delta has adapted and thrived. The airline employed around 100,000 people in the U.S. by the end of last year.
The U.S. airline industry has seen significant upgrades in recent years, with Delta leading the charge in improving the travel experience. “Delta’s not bougie by any stretch, but when your competitors don’t try very hard, it doesn’t take much,” said Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group.
Delta’s premium product sales are growing faster than main cabin revenue, and the airline forecasts this trend will continue. Major carriers have also revamped their frequent flyer programs to reward big spenders, with lounges becoming key perks for luxury travelers.
Delta’s latest lounge at LAX offers a dedicated security lane for Delta One passengers, a feature that will be added to the new JFK lounge later this year. United and American have similarly enhanced their lounge offerings.
Both Delta and United are optimistic about their financial outlooks for this year. United CEO Scott Kirby highlighted the importance of product and service quality in achieving profitability. “Watching [Delta] succeed, I became convinced that the product mattered and service mattered, and we have done that at United now,” Kirby said.
Bastian acknowledges the competitive dynamic, praising United’s customer communication during disruptions while maintaining Delta’s leadership in innovation. “We’re constantly pushing each other,” he concluded.