Delta AirLines (DAL) completed a doubling of its annual results in 2023, fueled by strong demand for travel, especially international travel, driving record revenues.。CEO Ed Bastian says continued strong travel demand could drive earnings this year。

However, the company cut its full-year profit forecast and shares fell 9% on Friday, as did shares of other major airlines。

Delta on Friday forecast adjusted earnings of $6 to $7 per share for 2024, down from the company's forecast of more than $7 per share last year.。Delta Achieves 6 Per Share in 2023.$25 adjusted earnings。

The company expects revenue in the first quarter of 2024 to increase 3% to 6% from the same period last year.。According to LSEG (formerly Refinitiv), the company forecast earnings of between 25 cents and 50 cents per share, which is within the range of analysts' forecasts.。

In Delta's last quarter, adjusted earnings per share were 1.$28, beating analysts' expectations。Adjusted revenue of 136.$600 million, slightly higher than LSEG estimates。The company achieved 20.Net income of $400 million, up from 8 a year ago..$2.8 billion growth, revenue up 6% YoY to 142.$200 million。

Despite strong global travel demand, Delta said business in the first quarter of 2024 still faces falling fares, rising costs and more.。The company also faces challenges in the aerospace parts and maintenance supply chain, especially as the aircraft maintenance and parts supply chain has not yet fully recovered to pre-epidemic levels.。

Notably, Delta's results report is the first among major U.S. airlines to report fourth-quarter results.。

Here are the company's results for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to Wall Street expectations based on LSEG consensus estimates:

1. Adjusted EPS: 1.$28, expected 1.17美元。
2. Adjusted revenue: 136.$600 million, expected at 135.$200 million。

In Delta's results report, the company said that in the last quarter of 2023, the number of passengers buying first class or premium economy class hit a record high, driving revenue growth in premium class by 15%, outpacing revenue growth in standard economy seats by 10%.。

CEO Ed Bastian said the company sees good signs of strong demand for international travel, especially that which exceeds revenue from U.S. flights.。In addition, there have been recent positive changes in domestic travel, with some airlines having to discount off-season fares in response to the oversupply of domestic flights。

While Delta's results were strong driven by travel demand, shares fell 9% on Friday as the company cut its full-year 2024 profit forecast, and shares of other major airlines were also affected。

While facing rising costs, aerospace parts and maintenance supply chain challenges, Delta remains cautious about its 2024 results。Companies say it will take longer to repair planes and get them back into operation。Delta also announced an expected order for 20 Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2026.。

Overall, despite some challenges, Delta remains pleased with the strong performance of travel demand and the progress of the business.。The company said that the business is progressing smoothly and looking forward to 2024, it will continue to work hard to adapt to market changes and provide high-quality services.。