Skift Airline Weekly Lounge

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Delta Airlines' recent earnings report, highlighting a solid operating margin and the impact of tariffs and economic uncertainty on the airline industry. They explore the strength of Delta's loyalty program and the demographic trends influencing travel demand, particularly among baby boomers. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape with United Airlines and the broader implications of fluctuating oil prices on airline profitability. Go deeper with the cover story of the latest issue of Airline Weekly. Takeaways Delta reported a 4.6% operating margin for Q1. Demand for premium travel is holding strong despite economic concerns. Corporate travel has seen a decline compared to previous years. Tariffs are creating uncertainty in the airline industry. Delta's loyalty program is a significant revenue driver. Baby boomers are a key demographic for transatlantic travel. Delta's balance sheet is improving