Delta's bet on wealthy Americans driving the economy is working: Premium seats are set to overtake main cabin for the first time in history | Fortune

"Delta Air Lines delivered a robust set of financial results for the third quarter of 2025, posting record revenue and beating consensus forecasts for earnings, driven largely by continued strength in premium and corporate travel demand. CEO Ed Bastian expressed optimism for the months ahead, projecting full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to reach about $6, at the upper end of previous guidance. The company sees itself strategically positioned to expand margins, grow revenue, and capitalize on premium travel trends as it looks beyond 2025."

"For the first time in Delta's history, the company now expects sales of premium seats-long seen as a luxury-will overtake those of its traditional main cabin offerings, and will do so in 2026, a full year earlier than previously expected. When asked on the subsequent call with analysts about his previous prediction that premium would overtake main in 2027 and whether these trends mean we can expect to see it in 2026, President Glen Hauenstein was positive: "I think you will.""

"On the earnings call, both Hauenstein and CEO Ed Bastian discussed what they see as an "inflection" in main cabin demand, as revenue from high-end seats-including first class and comfort-plus-rose by 9% to nearly $5.8 billion in the quarter and corporate travel rebounded sharply, up 8%. At the same time, main cabin sales declined 4% to around $6 billion, signaling a shift in consumer behavior that Delta expects will accelerate, potentially allowing premium seat sales to overtake economy sales by 2027, according to industry projections."

Delta reported record third-quarter 2025 revenue and beat consensus earnings forecasts, driven by strong premium and corporate travel demand. Adjusted revenue reached $15.2 billion for the quarter and adjusted EPS was $1.71, outperforming Wall Street estimates. Revenue from high-end seats rose 9% to nearly $5.8 billion while corporate travel increased 8%. Main cabin sales declined 4% to about $6 billion, indicating a shift toward premium offerings. Delta projects full-year adjusted EPS of about $6 and anticipates premium-seat sales will overtake main cabin sales in 2026, reflecting strategic positioning to expand margins and grow revenue.

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