Delta Air Lines ups Q1 targets as demand picks up

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Delta Air Lines were on the ascent in pre-market trade on Tuesday after the Atlanta-based carrier raised its revenue guidance for the first quarter. A presentation to the JPMorgan Industrials Conference revealed that the airline now expected high-single-digit revenue growth year-on-year over the first three months of 2026, up from its January estimates of 5-7% growth and well ahead of the 1% increase registered in the fourth quarter.

Total revenues are now tipped to come in at between $15.0bn and $15.3bn, compared with $14.0bn the year before, though slightly behind the $16.0bn reported for the fourth quarter.

The company said it was raising revenue guidance due to "demand momentum", with consumer and corporate trends having accelerating into March.

Strength was reported across the main, premium and loyalty sectors, as well as its maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.

Regarding the energy crisis, as oil prices continue to trade near four-year highs, Delta said it was "well positioned to navigate the current environment" and would maintain capacity flexibility if elevated prices persist.

The stock was trading 5% higher at $63.88 by 1232 GMT, having dropped more than 14% over the past month.