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Delta just posted blockbuster earnings, and it’s not because more people are flying. Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack how Delta’s $8B profit engine runs on premium seats, credit card partnerships, and a bet on wealthy travellers.

They dive into what makes Delta’s “premium economy” the most profitable cabin in the sky, why Buffett once got airlines wrong, and how rivals like United and Southwest are scrambling to catch up.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Fortune magazine article
Delta's latest 10-K
Email podcast@managementconsulted.com with your favorite margarita!

Timestamps

00:00 Delta Airlines: A Financial Overview
03:31 Buffett's Airline Insights and Market Dynamics
06:25 Premium Seats vs. Main Cabin: A Revenue Shift
09:16 The Profitability of Premium Economy
12:27 Delta's Financial Performance and Market Positioning
16:34 Consumer Behavior and Airline Choices
19:36 The Role of Technology in Airline Experience
22:25 The Future of Airline Pricing and Customer Segmentation

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S20E20: The Secret Behind Delta’s Record Profits and Sky-High Margins