Delta Air Lines' operating expense 2008-2023

Delta Air Lines reported an operating expense of about 52.5 billion U.S. dollars in the financial year 2023. This was an increase of 12 percent compared to the previous year. The company's operating expenses are at a decade high and include costs such as equipment, marketing, payroll, and insurance. 

Delta’s financial standing

Delta Air Lines achieved a positive yearly operating income since 2009, reaching nearly 5.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. The three largest full-service network carriers, which include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Group, and American Airlines, all recorded comparable operating revenue streams of between 23 and 30 billion U.S. dollars in that year. Delta is ranked as the top airline within the United States in terms of a brand value in 2024. The airline giant was ranked the most valuable airline worldwide as of May 2024. 

The global airline industry

Recently, commercial airlines worldwide have experienced a decline in operating profits, facing a combination of challenges to profitability, including rising fuel costs and strict competition from budget airlines. An additional substantial challenge is a growing shortage of airline pilots. By 2029, a predicted  93,000 pilots will join the airline industry; however, future demand for pilots is considerably larger than this forecasted figure.