Delta Air Lines, a major airline in the US, reported a pre-tax profit of $1.5 billion for the September quarter of 2026, matching its performance in the same period last year, as strong travel demand helped the airline navigate higher fuel costs.

The airline generated $20.2 billion in operating revenue under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), with operating income of $1.5 billion and an operating margin of 7.2%.

Pre-tax income reached $1.1 billion, representing a pre-tax margin of 5.3%, while earnings per share stood at $1.15.

On a non-GAAP basis, Delta reported operating revenue of $17.6 billion, operating income of $1.7 billion and an operating margin of 9.4%.

Pre-tax income totalled $1.5 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 8.5%, while earnings per share reached $1.72.

Operating cash flow amounted to $1.7 billion under both GAAP and non-GAAP reporting measures.

Delta also generated $1.9 billion in free cash flow year-to-date.

“Demand remains strong, supported by consumers’ growing preference for experiences and travel, with air travel continuing to be one of the best values in the consumer economy,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer.

Bastian said the airline’s resilience reflected structural strengths developed over many years, enabling it to manage one of the most elevated fuel-cost environments in recent times.

He also credited Delta’s employees with helping maintain its service standards and competitive position.

For full-year 2026, Delta expects to generate approximately $4.5 billion in pre-tax profit, despite absorbing an estimated $6 billion increase in fuel costs.

The airline said its focus remains on profitable growth and delivering on its long-term financial targets, which include mid-teens profit margins and returns, sustained free cash flow and gross leverage of approximately one times. -TradeArabia News Service