Airline stocks have been flying recently, which makes earnings season tricky to navigate for investors. Delta Air Lines is first up. Its fourth-quarter results, due early Friday, are likely to be key in determining whether the sector’s gains can continue in the early months of 2025.

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.

Shares of Delta Air Lines (DAL) rose on Friday after the airline reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 revenue and adjusted earnings that came in ahead of analysts' estimates. The carrier posted December-quarter profit of $843 million,

Delta Air Lines crushed earnings and revenue estimates amid red-hot travel demand in the fourth quarter, sending the stock flying higher. The even better news for investors was that Delta sees strong demand continuing in 2025.

Delta Air Lines (DL) unveiled record-breaking financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, showcasing robust operational performance and significant revenue growth. The airline also provided an optimistic outlook for 2025,