Delta Air Lines has reported “robust” travel demand and forecast record summer peak revenue.
The US carrier achieved a profit of $2.3 billion in the three months to June – more than $1 billion up on the same period last year.
Operating revenue hit a high for the quarter of $15.6 billion against $13.8 billion in the equivalent three months in 2022.
International passenger revenue was 61% higher year-on-year with record profitability.
Transatlantic performance was driven by strong US consumer demand, with southern European destinations leading results.
The strong operational performance led to the carrier putting $667 million in the first half of 2023 towards next year’s profit-sharing payment for staff.
Delta president Glen Hauenstein said: “We delivered record revenue in the June quarter, with total revenues 19% higher than the June quarter of 2022.
“These results reflect the strength of the demand environment, the hard work of our people and the momentum of Delta’s brand.
“Robust demand is continuing into the September quarter where we expect total revenue to be similar to the June quarter, up 11% to 14% compared to the September quarter 2022 on capacity that is 16% higher.”
The Atlanta-based airline was helped in the quarter by a 24% drop in fuel costs to $2.5 billion.
Delta, which part owns Virgin Atlantic, expects to carry almost 200 million passengers this year.