Delta Air Lines forecasts an earnings increase of more than 20% in 2026, potentially reaching a record due to strong travel demand, especially in the high-end market. The airline expects adjusted earnings per share between $6.50 and $7.50, compared to analysts’ estimate of $7.25. Sales could increase by up to 7% in the first quarter.

Bookings are robust for both leisure and corporate travelers, with Delta starting the year positively after a challenging 2025 due to tariffs and a government shutdown. Despite uncertainties, CEO Ed Bastian remains cautious but optimistic about the company’s performance. The fourth quarter saw a profit of $1.22 billion, with premium ticket revenue surpassing main cabin revenue.

Delta announced the purchase of 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, marking its shift from Airbus A350 as the key long-haul plane. The deliveries are set to begin in 2031, reflecting the airline’s strategy to invest in bigger jets. Options for 30 more 787-10s indicate ongoing growth and modernization efforts.

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1. Pfizer announced that its Covid-19 vaccine is 90% effective in preventing the virus based on early data from its phase 3 trial involving over 43,000 participants. The company plans to seek emergency use authorization from the FDA once it has collected two months of safety data.

2. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 800 points as news of the promising vaccine boosted investor confidence. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also saw significant gains, with travel and leisure stocks soaring in anticipation of a potential return to normalcy.

3. Moderna reported that its own Covid-19 vaccine candidate is 94.5% effective in preventing the virus, based on interim data from its phase 3 trial. The company plans to apply for emergency use authorization from the FDA once it has collected sufficient safety data in the coming weeks.: Delta Air Lines (DAL) 4Q 2025 earnings