Delta Air Lines predicts ‘good summer’ as confidence returns with latest results

The CEO of Delta Air Lines Ed Bastian has predicted a “good summer” as the US carrier’s confidence has appeared to return with the release of its financial results for the second quarter of 2025.  

Back in April 2025, a more subdued Bastion described the start of the year as “largely stalled” following a drop in US domestic traffic.  

At the time, there was uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff stance, with Delta and many other airlines choosing not to provide an updated full-year outlook. 

On July 10, 2025, though, the forecast for the year was back, and in response to the latest results, shares in Delta rose over 10%. 

Bastion said that the carrier delivered “record revenue” in the second quarter, with pre-tax income of $2.6 billion and operating revenue of $16.6 billion. 

Clement Allong“This strong performance is a direct reflection of the outstanding contributions of our people, who continue to set the bar for industry performance,” Bastian said. 

He added: “As we look to the second half of our centennial year, we remain focused on executing our strategic priorities and managing the levers within our control to deliver strong earnings and cash flow.” 

The airline took delivery of 10 aircraft during the second quarter, bringing the total year-to-date to 19, including the A350-900, A330-900, A321neo and A220-300. 

Premium revenue continued to outpace main cabin, growing 5% on a year-over-year basis. Loyalty revenue was up 8%, driven by co-brand spend growth and card acquisitions.   

International revenue grew 2% during the quarter, helped by strong demand for transatlantic travel as Delta expanded its service to European destinations for the peak summer period. 

“Reflecting our confidence in the business, we are restoring financial guidance with an expectation for earnings per share of $5.25 to $6.25 and free cash flow of $3 to $4 billion, consistent with our long-term free cash flow targets,” Bastion added. 

Looking forward, Delta President Glen Hauenstein said: “For the September quarter, we expect total revenue to be flat to up 4% compared to the prior year, with unit revenue trends expected to improve through the second half of the year as we continue to adjust capacity and the industry further rationalizes supply.” 

The airline also said that it expects the third quarter will be its best non-fuel unit cost performance of the year, with non-fuel unit costs flat to down compared to 2024.   

“For the full year, we remain on track to deliver non-fuel unit cost growth in the low-single digits year-over-year, consistent with our long-term target,” said Dan Janki, Delta’s Chief Financial Officer.   

Delta plans to pay $3 billion of debt this year and return cash to shareholders, including a 25% increase to its quarterly dividend beginning in the third quarter. 

“On balance it’s going to be a good summer,” Bastian told The Wall Street Journal. “Again, not as great a summer as we were hoping, but it will still be good.”  

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