Business

Lower Fuel Bill Bolsters Delta’s Q2 Profit

July 24th, 2013

Executives at Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines said during an investor call Wednesday the months of April, May and June were among the most profitable ever for the airline.To hear an audio version of this story, click the 'Listen' icon above.

Despite relatively flat passenger revenue and a sharp drop in cargo volume, Delta’s net earnings in the second quarter were $685-million.

Lower operating costs and a big break in fuel prices helped bolster the carrier’s bottom line.

Last year, Delta lost $168-million in the second quarter.

“We are on track to produce another record year of solid earnings improvements,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. ”Our operational and customer service metrics are among the best in Delta’s history and top of the global industry.”

And then there’s Atlanta.

Delta’s biggest rival here remains AirTran. But parent company Southwest is phasing out the AirTran brand and unraveling its Atlanta hub.

“Certainly, that’s an improved competitive environment for us here in Atlanta,” said Delta executive VP Glen Hauenstein in response to an analyst’s question.

Meanwhile, Delta employees have reason to smile.

The airline says its annual profit sharing payout should be the largest in company history.