Riding High: Delta’s Earnings Beat Analyst Expectations On Better-Than-Expected Premium Revenues

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) beat analyst earnings expectations when it announced its third-quarter earnings results, primarily on the back of record September-quarter revenues and a positive forward-looking tone. Overall adjusted revenues rose 4.1% to $15.2 billion, primarily led by premium traffic and loyalty revenue growth. Premium revenues grew by 9%, and American Express-related revenues reached $2 billion, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. Domestic unit revenues turned positive as main cabin softness hit an inflection point, and corporate sales rose 8%.