Delta’s shares take off on Q3 surge

Delta Air Lines’ stock jumped 4.3% to $59.57 on Thursday after the carrier reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results.

Profit and revenue exceeded forecasts, driven by booming demand for premium seating, corporate travel, and early holiday bookings.

The company raised its full-year earnings forecast to about $6 per share, above its previous range.

Operating revenue rose 4.1% year-over-year to a record $15.2 billion, while net income climbed 11.4% to $1.42 billion. 

Passenger revenue from premium cabins and SkyMiles members jumped 9%, offsetting weaker main-cabin sales.

Delta said sales trends are improving across all regions, with corporate sales up 8%. 

The airline expects revenue from high-end seating to surpass that of economy seating by 2027, signaling sustained confidence in affluent travelers.