American carrier Dela Air Lines says it took a $60 million hit in December from a combination of the power failure in Atlanta and winter storm Benji, but still managed a $1 billion quarter.
For the whole of 2017, pre-tax income for the airline was $5.5 billion, $621 million down from 2016. Delta says its fuel expense increased $349 million, and it also faced non-operating cost growth of $36 million for the December quarter. In addition, the carrier claims it saw a one-time charge of $150 million from the impact of new tax reforms introduced by the Trump administration.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, commented: “Looking ahead to 2018, we expect to drive solid earnings growth by growing our top line 4 to 6 per cent, improving our cost trajectory and integrating our international partner network.”
Meanwhile, Delta president Glen Hauenstein said the airline is entering 2018 “with significant momentum” and expects to deliver revenue growth of 2.5 to 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year.
delta.com