Delta was first to recognize that premium demand would become the industry’s profit engine. But United has been aggressive at expanding premium capacity — and is closing the gap quickly.
As Delta executives remain cautiously optimistic about 2026, they're revealing more details about one it's most lucrative businesses: maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Delta expects revenues from the unit to eventually top $3 billion.
Airlines that treat punctuality as an operating identity rather than a one-year PR win are turning on-time performance into a durable marketing advantage.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian was highly skeptical of Trump’s proposal to implement a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The proposal was also met with criticism from banks and Republican leadership.
Delta’s latest order is an unusual one for the carrier — the only Boeing widebody in its fleet is the 767, a much older aircraft. After experiencing a slew of safety and quality issues over the past few years, the order also signals renewed confidence in Boeing’s turnaround efforts.
In 2026, expect more of the same for the airline industry — analysts think the premium boom will most likely continue and the ultra-low-cost carriers could flounder.