United is definitely more aggressive/ambitious with their plans, though it comes at a greater risk. As a Delta guy, it can be frustrating watching y'all go back to hiring a gazillion people with all these new airplanes and growth plans while our management continues on the slow and steady path, but its all personal preference, risk vs reward and all that.

At the end of the day, management at both companies have made it clear that their plans don't revolve around beating each other. Both are doing great, and seem pretty content with the current setup of our two companies taking in almost the entire profit of the industry. In light of that, it doesn't really matter who is just a little bit ahead on any given quarter.

United and Delta basically make the same amount of money flying people and cargo between point A and point B. The split in earnings occurs because of loyalty revenue (credit card deal), ancillary revenue (Trainer, MRO, etc.), and interest expense (UA has a higher debt load). Kirby has said they have plans on doubling loyalty revenue. If he can pull that off, it would close the gap further.

Outside of that, they confirmed growth plans on the earnings call. Hiring 2,000 pilots next year. Also confirmed they will announce the decision on the A350 before year's end. Interesting times ahead.

I think brand loyalty factors in here. DL has it in spades - we’re doing a decent job gaining it, but are no where near their level.

hopefully both companies do well next year…

question: why does that frustrate you when deltas numbers are showing they’re doing more with less ? I agree with deltas management .

Sorry, I probably didn't word that well. I am more than happy with how the business is doing. I just mean its easy to be envious of y'all allegedly hiring a couple thousand next year when our plan (for now) is a few hundred. On the surface, having an extra 1,500 pilots junior to me sounds better than being able to say our profit number is (barely) a little bigger.

I am grateful for any hiring, especially in an environment where much of the industry is struggling. Folks can argue til the cows come home whether United Next or Delta's slow and steady approach is a better business model, I wont pretend to know for sure.

The way I look at it is that Delta had a few years head start while United just started “being serious.” Delta have it figured out while United trying to figure it out. Maybe not the greatest wording, but hope the point is taken lol

You guys are doing super well and I’m happy to see both companies crushing it!

so where would you rather be in this economy today with your investments? Balls to the wall it’s going to keep getting better and better for the next 5 years or one of we have come a long way and seem to be in uncharted territory and as such might need to be a bit cautious going forward based on past history?

Idk man, I am just a pilot, I am happy where I am at but I am sure I would be happy over there too!

Right answer. We are all fortunate.