Delta Air Lines is undertaking more maintenance work for other carriers and is expanding its cargo business. This drive is all part of its goal to reach $1 billion in revenue from aircraft repairs, and the same again in cargo sales.
Through its purchase of Northwest Airlines in 2008, Delta has been able to take advantage of the broader network to charge more for cargo. The deal also gave the MRO shop expertise in working on Airbus aircraft.
Such a rapid increase in cargo and MRO revenue will align the airline group more evenly with United Continental Holdings.