Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

They lost Q1 to us, unlike in 2025. That’s competitive regression. Mind you, they lost Q2-4 and full year results last year too (and will do so this year too).

The real benefits of Trainer will be revealed in Q2-4 where you will see DL pull far ahead on United in profits. UA’s unregulated growth is biting them now with fuel, SFO and ORD capacity reductions, and FA TA costs (technician contract still do). Plus, they carry $31B of debt to Delta’s $13B and continue to be a non-investment grade carrier.

Trainer, AMEX, our stronger JV/partner ties (LH Group melting down in Europe currently vs AF+KLM), the growing MRO business, hub dominance (pricing power during downturns), and continued investment in premium will grow the gap from DL’s competitors. Revenue diversification will win out.

Delta is hemorrhaging millions in premium payout and still out performing the rest. Once corrected the performance gap will continue to grow, once again. Some people think our “image” is damaged- it isn’t. We just leaped to #1 per ACSI above WN. Planes are full, enhancements to the product, air and ground, are being made continuously, and the NB/WB/pilot group is all growing.