ATLANTA - A recent malware attack and a national controversy over the NRA didn't stop Delta Air Lines from posting record March quarter earnings on Thursday, despite those record revenues being offset by higher fuel prices and severe winter weather.
Delta's adjusted operating revenue of $9.8 billion for the March quarter improved 8 percent, or $715 million versus the prior year. The airline said the revenue was driven by improvements across Delta’s business, including a 23 percent increase in cargo revenue and a $78 million increase in total loyalty revenue.
Delta’s branded fares initiative drove $421 million in premium up-sell revenue in the period, a 23 percent increase from last year.
“The Delta people delivered a strong March quarter, and our record revenue was a direct result of the great service and operational reliability they provided for our customers,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
“We are seeing Delta’s best revenue momentum since 2014,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s president. “With our solid pipeline of commercial initiatives, delivered with industry-leading Delta service, we expect to maintain this momentum and deliver total revenue growth of 4 to 6 percent for the full year.”
For the March quarter, Delta returned $542 million to shareholders.
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