Delta Airlines has reported $63.4 billion in operating revenue for 2025, marking a strong close to its centennial year.
The airline disclosed the full-year results on January 16, 2026, with operating income of $5.8 billion and pre-tax income of $6.2 billion, achieving a 9.8 per cent pre-tax margin.
Full-year earnings per share reached $7.66, while operating cash flow totalled $8.3 billion.
For the fourth quarter of 2025, Delta generated $16.0 billion in operating revenue, delivering $1.5 billion in operating income and a 9.2 per cent operating margin.
Quarterly earnings per share stood at $1.86, supported by healthy demand across premium, international, and corporate travel segments.
Operating cash flow for the quarter amounted to $2.3 billion, reflecting continued strength in the core business.
Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian described the performance as a strong close to the centennial year, highlighting the differentiation and durability built into the airline.
He noted that Delta generated $5 billion in pre-tax profit with a double-digit operating margin and record free cash flow of $4.6 billion, despite a challenging environment.
Bastian attributed the results to the exceptional efforts of Delta’s people, announcing $1.3 billion in profit-sharing payouts to employees, one of the largest in company history.
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He expressed confidence in 2026, stating that the year is off to a strong start with accelerating top-line growth from consumer and corporate demand.
Delta expects full-year margin expansion and earnings growth of approximately 20 per cent year-over-year.
Excluding special items, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 12 per cent, reinforcing its focus on profitability, cash generation, and balance-sheet strength.
Total debt and finance lease obligations stood at $14.1 billion at year-end, continuing progress toward investment-grade metrics.
Delta maintained its position as one of the most on-time carriers in the United States while expanding premium offerings and investing in fleet modernisation and digital innovation.
These results underscore Delta’s resilience and strategic execution as it enters its second century of operations.
