Delta Sees Strong Travel Demand, Higher Fares Deep Into 2026

Delta Air Lines Inc. reaffirmed its full-year profit guidance and said strong demand for premium, corporate and international travel helped offset the highest quarterly fuel expense in its history. The Atlanta-based airline earned an adjusted $1.56 a share in the second quarter, it said on Friday, topping analysts' estimates of $1.51. Revenue rose 14% from a year earlier, with capacity increasing just 1%. The shares have gained 28% so far this year, partly on optimism that the airline's focus on premium travel will shield it from price sensitivity at the lower end of the traveler spectrum. For more, we speak with George Ferguson, Senior Aerospace Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence.