Delta Air Lines’ 2024 Financials: A Closer Look

Delta Air Lines’ Q4 and Full Year 2024 Financials

Delta Air Lines has released its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, along with its outlook for the first quarter and full year of 2025.

“2024 was a great year for Delta, with our results reflecting differentiation from the industry and increased durability. Our people finished the year strong, delivering industry-leading operational and financial performance. Sharing Delta’s success is core to our culture. I’m excited to recognize our people’s outstanding efforts with $1.4 billion in profit-sharing payments next month,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer.

“As we move into 2025, we expect strong demand for travel to continue, with consumers increasingly seeking the premium products and experiences that Delta provides. Our differentiated strategy and best-in-class operations, combined with demand strength and an increasingly constructive industry backdrop, position us to deliver the best financial year in Delta’s 100-year history, with pre-tax income greater than $6 billion, earnings per share greater than $7.35 and free cash flow of more than $4 billion.”

December Quarter 2024 GAAP Financial Results

• Operating revenue of $15.6 billion
• Operating income of $1.7 billion with an operating margin of 11.0 percent
• Pre-tax income of $1.2 billion with a pre-tax margin of7.7 percent
• Earnings per share of $1.29
• Operating cash flow of $1.9 billion
• Payments on debt and finance lease obligations of $1.5 billion
• Total debt and finance lease obligations of $16.2 billion at quarter end