Delta Air Lines announces December quarter and full year 2017 profit

Delta Air Lines has reported financial results for the December quarter 2017. Adjusted pre-tax income for the December 2017 quarter was US$1.0bn, despite a US$60m impact from the combination of December’s power outage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Winter Storm Benji. For the full year, adjusted pre-tax income was US$5.5bn, a US$621m decrease relative to 2016. Delta’s operating revenue of US$10.2bn for the December quarter was up 8.3%, or US$787m versus prior year. Total unit revenues excluding refinery sales increased 4.4% for the December quarter. Passenger revenue increased US$527, including US$200m from Delta’s Branded Fares initiatives. Passenger unit revenues increased 4.2%, including 0.5 points from one-time revenue adjustments, on 2.3% higher capacity. For the full year, Delta’s operating revenue of US$41.2bn was up 4.0%, or US$1.6bn versus prior year. Total unit revenues excluding refinery sales increased 2.4% on 1.0% higher capacity.