Delta Air Lines CEO, Ed Bastian tends to avoid discussing politics, but he is optimistic about a Trump administration, anticipating reduced ‘overreach’ in the aviation sector. This doesn’t necessarily imply less oversight or scrutiny, but rather less intervention in specific areas.
Bastian noted that Trump pledged to reevaluate the regulatory environment, reduce governmental bureaucracy, and address the overreach experienced in the past four years. Bastian views this as a positive change.
The aviation industry has had a financially robust year, with Delta earning $2.9 billion in the first nine months, in addition to the $4.6 billion profit last year. Bastian anticipates continued growth in 2025, even if modest, considering any year ending in profit as positive.
Bastian described the incoming Trump administration as a “breath of fresh air” compared to the more restrictive climate under President Joe Biden, whose administration was seen as less business-friendly. For instance, the Department of Justice had previously sought to block a merger between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, with Spirit eventually filing for bankruptcy.
Beyond business and financial issues, Delta is also under federal investigation for its slow recovery from a global technology outage earlier this year.
Nonetheless, Delta plans to focus on its premium travel segment to boost revenue next year, noting that affluent travelers are thriving. Additionally, Delta expects capacity growth in 2025.