Bloomberg Talks Delta CEO Ed Bastian Talks Premium Travel
Jan 14, 2026
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, offers insights into the airline's thriving premium travel segment, revealing double-digit growth in business travel. He emphasizes international expansion as the key to Delta's future, supported by new Boeing Dreamliner orders. Bastian also discusses potential impacts from proposed credit-card rate caps and highlights the significant role of AmEx partnerships. With a focus on premium demand driving revenue, he shares strategies to address crowded lounges while navigating industry consolidation challenges.
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Cautious Guidance Despite Momentum
- Delta entered the year with strong momentum but built in caution after late-year disruptions.
- Ed Bastian framed guidance conservatively to allow wiggle room amid uncertain consumer sentiment.
Credit-Rate Cap Is Uncertain For Delta
- A proposed 10% cap on credit card rates raises uncertainty but is premature to quantify.
- Ed Bastian said such legislation would primarily affect the financial services side, not Delta directly.
Amex Relationship And Political Hurdles
- Bastian noted banks are vocal about concerns and that legislation would face hurdles in Congress.
- He emphasized American Express is a premium card provider and not Delta's primary customer base.