Delta Air Lines has reported second quarter adjusted earnings per share of 43 cents, missing analysts’ estimates by a penny.
Although revenue climbed 12% year over year to $9.15 billion, the airline’s aggressive fare increases and cost-cutting measures failed to offset the impact of high fuel costs and the Japan crises – Delta generates almost $2 billion in revenue every year from planes flying the Tokyo hub.
Total operating expenses increased 19% year over year in the second quarter. Fuel expenses, which were up 36%, accounted for 70% of the increase. Increased aircraft maintenance costs, and capacity and revenue-related expenses also aided growth.