Delta Air Lines has raised its earnings forecast for the current fiscal year to $5.25 to $6.25 per share, after booking trends stabilized in recent months. Shares of the US carrier rose over 8 percent pre-market. CEO Ed Bastian described the restoration of the forecast as an expression of "our confidence in the business model.

In the second quarter, net profit rose by 63 percent from the previous year to $2.1 billion, with almost constant revenue of $16.6 billion. Premium seating and long-haul connections to Europe remained especially in demand: Revenue on transatlantic routes increased by another 2 percent compared to last year's record level.

Delta also benefited from increased revenue from its loyalty business, particularly through co-branded credit cards, the use and new sign-ups of which increased. Declines in the economy class were fully compensated for. Demand in the corporate segment was described by Delta as "stable" during the reporting period.

The management expects a revenue increase of between 0 and 4 percent year-over-year for the current quarter, as well as an adjusted profit of $1.25 to $1.75 per share – both ranges are above the median analyst estimates. President Glen Hauenstein emphasized that pricing power in high-margin segments is robust, while the industry as a whole responds to macroeconomic uncertainties with supply cuts.

As recently as spring, Delta had foregone an annual forecast due to political tensions, rising oil prices, and economic uncertainties. The current set of figures now marks a return to operational visibility—supported by wealthier clientele and resilient sources of revenue.