Delta Air Lines Reports Higher Third-Quarter Profits than Projected

Image: PHOTO: Delta Bombardier C-Series aircraft. (photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)
Image: PHOTO: Delta Bombardier C-Series aircraft. (photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Thu October 11, 2018

Officials from Delta Air Lines announced Thursday that third-quarter profits beat the projections thanks to strong demand for air travel and cost-cutting efforts.

According to Reuters.com, Delta and other major airlines in America are battling rising fuel expenses that have been cutting into profits despite the demand for air travel remaining at a high level across the industry.

To ensure financial success, carriers such as Delta, American and Southwest have been forced to increase ticket prices, purchase more fuel-efficient planes and raise baggage fees for passengers.

"Continued focus on cost control ... gives us confidence in our ability to keep our non-fuel unit cost growth below two percent next year," Delta chief financial officer Paul Jacobson told Reuters.

Officials also reported that corporate travel with Delta has remained strong in the United States and they have not seen an impact on demand from rising interest rates. In total, overall operating revenue rose to $11.95 billion from $11.06 billion.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...