Delta Guides Higher
Delta Air Lines reported March quarter earnings in line with initial guidance, supported by broad demand strength and better-than-expected revenue performance.
The airline guided to low-teens revenue growth for the June quarter on flat capacity growth, citing strong demand momentum, capacity reductions and actions to recapture higher fuel costs. It expects June quarter pre-tax profit of about $1 billion despite a more than $2 billion increase in fuel expense at the forward curve.
“Delta’s results underscore the power of our brand and the durability of our financial foundation,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer. “We delivered earnings that were more than 40% higher than last year, even with a significant increase in fuel costs and operational disruptions across the industry. Our results are powered by the Delta people, who will always be our greatest competitive advantage. In February, we celebrated $1.3 billion in profit-sharing payouts, similar to last year and more than the rest of the industry combined.”
Bastian continued, “Demand remains strong, and we are taking actions to protect our margins and cash flow. This includes meaningfully reducing capacity growth, with a downward bias until the fuel environment improves, and moving quickly to recapture higher fuel costs. Delta is best positioned to navigate this environment, with a leading brand, strong financial foundation, and the benefit of our refinery. In the June quarter, we expect to lead the industry with $1 billion of profit. And while the recent fuel spike is currently impacting earnings, I’m confident this environment ultimately reinforces Delta’s leadership and accelerates long-term earnings power.”
For the March quarter, Delta reported operating revenue of $15.9 billion, operating income of $501 million and an operating margin of 3.2%. The company posted a pre-tax loss of $214 million, loss per share of $0.44 and operating cash flow of $2.4 billion.
Visa MAS Pact
Malaysia Airlines and Visa Malaysia have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experiences and driving travel demand across the airline’s global network.
The partnership will focus on joint marketing campaigns, exclusive co-branded offers for Visa cardholders and enhanced digital engagement through data-driven marketing and targeted social media activations.
As part of the rollout, Visa cardholders will receive an additional 5% discount using promo code MHVISA26 for Malaysia Airlines and Firefly bookings from April 2 to 13, 2026 via the airline’s website and mobile app.
Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Today’s travellers expect journeys that are not only seamless, but also personalised and rewarding. Our partnership with Visa reflects our commitment to delivering more integrated travel experiences — combining connectivity, convenience and value across every touchpoint of the journey. Together, we are unlocking new opportunities to engage travellers more meaningfully while driving demand across our network.”
Previn Pillay, Country Manager, Visa Malaysia, said, “Travel plays a vital role in how Malaysians connect with the world, and we continue to see strong momentum in overseas travel and spending. Through our partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we are unlocking meaningful value for Visa cardholders beyond payments — from rewarding offers and exclusive privileges to smoother booking and travel journeys. Together, we are proud to support the continued growth of international travel and tourism, while helping Malaysians explore the world with greater ease and confidence through secure, seamless and globally accepted payment experiences.”
Digital ID Travel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said digital identity trials across Europe and Asia-Pacific have demonstrated that contactless, biometric-enabled international travel is already achievable, replacing paper documentation with mobile-based credentials.
The proof-of-concept trials tested digital identity stored in mobile wallets alongside biometric verification, allowing passengers to move through airport checkpoints without repeated document checks. The tests also showed interoperability across multiple airlines, airports and digital identity wallets.
The trials further demonstrated that passengers can securely share identity data in advance, complete biometric verification at airport touchpoints and reuse a single digital identity throughout their journey for a seamless experience.
“We have proven that digital identity for international travel works securely and efficiently. For travelers to benefit from this important modernization, governments must accelerate efforts to issue and accept Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs)—secure digital versions of passports. The result will be stronger security, smoother journeys, and greater efficiency,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“Secure digital versions of passports—Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs)—will make travel more secure and more efficient. By sharing identity data in advance, checks can be completed earlier, reducing the need for document checks at airports and cutting queues. Industry collaboration has shown digital identity works in practice. The next step is for governments to put the frameworks in place to integrate digital identity into global travel processes,” said Walsh.
Scoot Expands Indonesia Network
Scoot will launch new flights to Belitung and Pontianak in Indonesia, expanding its network to 85 destinations across 18 countries and territories.
Services to Belitung will begin on May 3 with two weekly flights, while Pontianak flights will start on June 29 with three weekly services.
The airline said one-way Economy Class fares start from AUD233 to Belitung and AUD277 to Pontianak, inclusive of taxes.
The flights will be operated by Embraer E190-E2 aircraft and are now available for booking through Scoot’s website, mobile app and other channels.
Scoot is also increasing frequencies on several existing routes from this April to June, including Bali, Jakarta, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Manado, Phuket, Sibu, Okinawa, Changsha and Vienna, as it prepares for stronger travel demand during the school holiday season.
“The addition of new routes to Belitung and Pontianak not only enhances Scoot’s footprint in Indonesia, but also strengthens the SIA Group’s network connectivity through Singapore,” Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot said.
“The increase in flight frequencies to many popular destinations will also support demand for travel as we head into the school holiday season. We remain committed to providing our customers with more travel options and enjoyable journeys with Scoot.”
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