Delta forecast first-quarter earnings per share of between 70 cents and $1, slightly higher than analysts' estimates. Delta beat sales and earnings estimates for the last three months of the year. The carrier is the first of the major U.

Delta Air Lines expects a strong appetite for high-end travel to fuel profit in 2025, said Chief Executive Ed Bastian. The forecast comes as the airline posted better-than-expected revenue growth in the latest quarter as demand picked up.

Delta Air Lines forecast 2025 profit above Wall Street expectations on Friday, thanks to robust demand for premium travel and the industry's improved pricing power, sending its shares up 8% in early trading.