Higher fuel costs, storms drive down Delta profit
Higher fuel costs and storms that drove flight cancellations caused Delta Air Lines' profit to decline in the first quarter of the year.
Atlanta-based Delta reported record revenue for the quarter, with operating revenue at more than $9.9 billion.
But that was offset by a 20 percent year-over-year increase in fuel expense and a $44 million toll from severe winter weather.
The storms included Nor'easters that caused hundreds of flight cancellations in Boston, New York and other airports. Delta also canceled hundreds of flights in mid-January due to snow and ice in the Southeast.
The airline’s net income declined 2 percent year-over-year to $547 million in the first quarter.
About the Author
As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.
