Executives on earnings call see stabilizing environment

Corporate demand for Delta Air Lines in the second quarter increased slightly over the same period in 2024, according to executives speaking on an earnings call. They said that passenger revenue was also up slightly during a “stabilized” second quarter environment against the uncertainty that marked the first quarter.

According to a company statement, corporate sales in the second quarter increased by low-single-digit percentages year over year, led by domestic demand. However, according to Glen Hauenstein, president, “Delta’s share premium remains at historic highs.”

Ed Bastian, CEO, said that overall demand remains similar to last year, with softness largely contained to the main cabin and particularly during off-peak periods. He said the federal spending bill signed last week by President Trump should ease uncertainty about economic conditions in the future.

The passage of the legislation, said Bastian, creates certainty around tax policy, and with continued progress on trade negotiations, he said, “we expect both consumer and corporate confidence to improve in the second half of the year, creating the environment for travel demand to accelerate.”

Delta reported second-quarter passenger revenue of nearly $13.9 billion, up slightly from the $13.8 billion reported a year prior. Total revenue was flat at more than $16.6 billion. Net income for the quarter increased 63% year over year to more than $2.1 billion. 

Delta’s third-quarter guidance included a revenue projection range of flat to an increase of 4% year over year.