Delta Air Lines offered an upbeat forecast for the current quarter on Wednesday after its first-quarter earnings topped Wall Street estimates on buoyant travel demand, sending its shares 3% higher in early trading.
Airline executives say travel has become a top priority for consumers, who are cutting spending on goods in favor of experiences after the pandemic. This, together with hybrid work arrangements, has underpinned travel spending despite higher living costs.
Demand is particularly strong for premium travel, benefiting carriers like Delta, which has positioned itself as a premium airline. Recovery in corporate travel is also gathering steam.
