Delta Airlines records highest profit in 2019

AMERICA’S Delta Air Lines has declared 2019 the best in the airline’s history after a pre-tax income of $6.2 billion and a 30 per cent increase in adjusted earnings per share.

This came just as the airline has announced that it has carried a record of 204 million passengers, up six per cent compared to 2018, with a record load factor of 86.3 per cent.

The good result according to the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Ed Bastian, will mean a record $1.6 billion profit sharing for Delta’s 90,000 employees.

Stronger revenue and lower fuel costs Bastian declared meant the airline’s fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.70 was 31 per cent ahead of the same period last year and well ahead of guidance of $1.20 to $1.50 per share.

“2019 was a truly outstanding year on all fronts, the best in Delta’s history operationally, financially and for our customers. Our people, and their commitment to bringing best-in-class travel experiences to our 200 million customers, are the foundation for our success.”

While stating that Delta was entering 2020 in an environment where demand for travel was healthy and the airline’s brand preference was growing, Bastian said the development has positioned Delta to deliver another year of strong results, including earnings per share of $6.75 to $7.75.

Customer improvements during the period also saw Delta take delivery of 88 new aircraft during the year, debut an impressive international Main Cabin experience and update its FlyDelta App with functions such as automatic international check-in and integrated security wait times.