Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: Expect a 50% EPS increase in Q1 2026

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 13, 2026 at 12:49  |  5:06  |  CNBC
Speakers
Ed Bastian — CEO of Delta Air Lines

Summary

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian joined CNBC's Phil LeBeau to discuss Q4 results and the 2026 outlook. Delta reported double-digit margins, record revenue, and $4.6 billion of free cash flow, and guided to about 20% EPS growth for 2026 with a 50% increase in Q1. Bastian described strong corporate, consumer, premium, and international demand, and announced a large Boeing Dreamliner order. He also commented on potential government shutdown risk.

  • Delta reported solid Q4 and 2025 results with double-digit margins, record revenue, and record free cash flow.
  • Management expects roughly 20% EPS growth in 2026 and 50% EPS growth in Q1.
  • Corporate and consumer travel demand remain strong, with record weekly cash sales.
  • Premium travel is the fastest-growing segment and supports higher fares.
  • Delta announced a large Boeing 787 Dreamliner order for delivery starting in 2031.
  • International travel is Delta's fastest-growing business and long-term growth focus.
  • Bastian discussed potential government shutdown risk and essential-worker pay.
Ideas
Ed Bastian CEO of Delta Air Lines 0:27
Strong results, demand, and EPS outlook
Delta delivered solid Q4 and 2025 results with double-digit margins, record revenues, $4.6 billion of free cash flow, $10 billion of three-year free cash flow, and more than 50% leverage reduction. Management sees strong corporate and consumer demand, record weekly cash sales, premium demand, and international growth, guiding to about 20% EPS growth for 2026 and a 50% Q1 2026 EPS increase, setting up a strong 2026.
DAL HIGH
Ed Bastian CEO of Delta Air Lines 3:47
Delta order signals confidence in Boeing turnaround
Delta placed a large Dreamliner order with Boeing, reflecting confidence in Boeing's progress and turnaround based on conversations with management. The order will add significant premium content and support Delta's international growth, though deliveries do not begin until 2031 and the turnaround is still in progress.
BA MED
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This CNBC video, published January 13, 2026, features Ed Bastian discussing DAL, BA. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Ed Bastian  · Tickers: DAL, BA