Delta Air Lines posts a narrow Q1 profit and says travel demand remains strong despite flight scares WSOC TV [Video]

Delta Air Lines eked out a narrow first-quarter profit and said Wednesday that demand for travel is strong heading into the summer-vacation season, with travelers seemingly unfazed by recent incidents in the industry that ranged from a panel blowing off a jetliner midflight flight to a tire falling off another plane during takeoff.

Delta reported the highest revenue for any first quarter in its history and a $37 million profit. It expects record-breaking revenue in the current quarter as well. The airline said that second-quarter earnings will likely beat Wall Street expectations.

Shares of Delta Air Lines Inc., based in Atlanta, jumped more than 4% before the opening bell Wednesday and other airlines were pulled higher as well on the performance.

CEO Ed Bastian said Delta’s best 11 days ever for ticket sales occurred during the early weeks of 2024.

If travelers are worried about a spate of problem flights and increased scrutiny of plane maker Boeing, “I haven’t seen …