US giant Delta Air Lines announced a $1.4 billion pre-tax profit for the three months to June, almost $600,000 up on a year ago.
Delta reported a profit margin on its operations in excess of 15% at a time when major airlines in Europe – Lufthansa and Air France-KLM have recently issued profit warnings.
The carrier posted a 9% increase in revenue for the quarter on last year and a 5% increase in passenger numbers against a 3.2% rise in capacity.
Delta chief executive Richard Anderson forecast the carrier would turn in even better results from the current quarter.
He said: “Delta’s performance shows the financial strength and resilience of our company.
“We expect our September quarter performance will be even stronger as we expand our operating margin to 15%-17% and further improve our profitability.”
Delta took a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic last year and the carriers launched a transatlantic joint venture in January.