Delta Expects Second Quarter Sales to Hit Pre-Pandemic Levels

New York — Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday that it expects sales in the current quarter to return to pre-pandemic levels, allowing the US carrier to raise its revenue forecast.

Heavy travel demand is allowing airlines like Delta to raise fares to offset high jet fuel prices.

The Atlanta-based airline now expects second quarter adjusted revenue of between $12.4 billion and $12.5 billion in the three months to the end of June, which would bring it back to the level seen in the second quarter of 2019. Previously, Delta's revenue in the quarter had been projected to be 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, total seat capacity is expected to be between 82% and 83% of 2019 levels, edging down from the prior guidance of about 84%.Operating margin is now projected to be 13% to 14% percent, up slightly from the prior forecast of 12% to 14% percent. This is despite the lower capacity and higher jet fuel costs.

©2022 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.