Delta’s Historic 2025 Premium Revenue Tops Economy for First Time!

Delta Air Lines achieved a historic milestone in Q4 2025 when premium cabin revenue reached $5.70 billion, up 9% year-over-year, surpassing economy cabin revenue of $5.62 billion, down 7%, for the first time in company history. #

For the full year, premium revenue climbed 7% to $22.10 billion while economy dipped 5% to $23.39 billion, narrowing the gap significantly amid total revenues of $58.3 billion and $5 billion pre-tax income. This shift reflects booming demand from high-income leisure travelers and resurgent corporate bookings post-pandemic, with consumers prioritizing Delta One, First Class, and Comfort+ for enhanced comfort, safety features, and lounge access over basic seats.​

Delta adapted swiftly by boosting premium seats on long-haul widebodies like the A350 (up to 80% premium capacity on key routes) and expanding extra-legroom options domestically without major refits, while Amex co-branded card spending rose double-digits to fuel loyalty revenue growth of 6%. Price-sensitive economy passengers cut back on leisure trips amid inflation, allowing airlines to maximize yields from affluent segments through dynamic pricing and service upgrades. CEO Ed Bastian highlighted this “K-shaped” recovery where premium flyers drive outsized profits.​

Heading into 2026, Delta forecasts continued premium dominance with 20% EPS growth, adding 30 Boeing 787s for upscale international routes, positioning the carrier as a luxury travel leader

Key Points:

• Q4 2025: Premium $5.70B (+9%) beats economy $5.62B (-7%).​
• Full Year: Premium $22.10B (+7%), economy $23.39B (-5%).​
• Drivers: Corporate rebound, luxury demand.​
• Fleet: More intl premium seats.​
• 2026: +20% EPS, new 787s