Delta Air Lines’ managed corporate travel sales during the third quarter were up 7% year over year, according to Glen Hauenstein, president, speaking on a third quarter earnings call. He said the increase was led by double-digit growth in coastal hubs “with broad-based strength across sectors.” In a release, Delta noted double-digit growth in the technology, media and banking sectors.
The carrier’s most recent survey of its corporate customers, according to Hauenstein, indicated a positive outlook for business demand with 85% of respondents saying they expect travel spending to grow next year.
Customers, according to executives, are continuing to “prioritize premium experiences,” with premium revenue growth in the quarter outperforming the main cabin by 9 percentage points. More than half (57%) of Delta’s revenue year to date has been generated by products outside the selling of main cabin seats.
Loyalty revenue, according to the carrier, was up 6% year over year, driven by award redemptions and an increase in affiliated credit card spending. There was growth in SkyMiles members, said Hauenstein, who said American Express remuneration for the quarter was up 6% year over year.
Delta reported third-quarter passenger revenue of $13.1 billion, about even with the third quarter of 2023. Total revenue was nearly $15.7 billion, up about 1% year over year. Net income was nearly $1.3 billion, a 15% increase from a year prior. Capacity, as measured in available seat miles, increased 4% year over year.
