Delta Air Lines staff have received a profit share bonus equivalent to 10.4% of annual pay.
The $1.4 billion Valentine’s Day payout to more than 100,000 workers is based on the US carrier’s 2023 profit and represents more than one month’s salary.
The total is claimed by the airline to be “greater than the pool of all US peer airlines combined”.
Workers in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India will share $4.4 million, with the highest payout of $595 million going to staff at Delta’s base in the US state of Georgia.
This year’s offer brings the total paid out to employees since its inception in 2007 to $11 billion. It is the seventh year that more than $1 billion has been paid out in profit sharing following rewards at that level between 2014 and pre-pandemic 2019.
“Delta created its profit-sharing structure after the turbulent period the airline industry underwent in the early 2000s, as leaders worked to boost employee morale and cultivate a workplace of gratitude and teamwork,” according to the airline.
Chief executive Ed Bastian said: “Rewarding our people is fundamental to who we are at Delta. It’s always my number one priority to take care of the Delta team, and today is a prime opportunity to recognise their dedication and efforts in 2023.
“This year’s $1.4 billion payout along with our global annual celebrations represent just one of the ways we’re able to demonstrate our gratitude and love for a well-deserving team.”