16 January 2020
Delta Airlines just had the best year in its history according to CEO Ed Bastian.
The airline posted $4.8 billion in net income, which was up 21% from 2018.
Delta’s revenue grew 6% to $47 billion last year and pre-tax income of $6.2 billion was its best ever.
Strong passenger growth, lower fuel costs and no Boeing MAX-related losses enabled the airline to inch ahead of the competition.
Main rivals American, United and Southwest all had MAX jets grounded, causing thousands of flight cancellations.
The numbers will translate to a record profit-sharing payout of $ 1.6 billion to its employees this year.
That equates to about two months’ extra salary, Bastion said.
It paid out $ 1.3 billion to employees last year.
