Delta Air Lines Achieves All-Time High Quarterly Revenue, First Cargo Drone Airline Secures IATA and ICAO Codes, and More

Aviation news brief July 14

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Delta Air Lines Achieves All-Time High Quarterly Revenue

Delta Air Lines reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue, achieving record-breaking financial performance in the June quarter. The company's operating cash flow was strong enough to enable early debt repayment of $1 billion, and it raised its full-year earnings per share projection to between $6 and $7 with a free cash flow estimate of $3 billion.

Delta expects another record-setting quarter in September, projecting revenue and earnings per share of $2.20 to $2.50. Key factors contributing to the success include strong international travel demand, declining fuel costs, and continued growth in premium and loyalty revenue. Delta aims to reduce leverage and achieve investment-grade metrics in the near future. source

Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash

Ground Tests Underway for NASA's X-59 Aircraft to Mitigate Sonic Boom Noise

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is currently conducting ground tests on NASA's X-59, an experimental aircraft designed to bring back supersonic airline travel with reduced noise.

The X-59, also known as QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology), aims to mitigate the loud sonic boom typically associated with supersonic flight. Instead, it produces a softer sonic thump that is less disruptive. The aircraft features a unique design, including a long and slender fuselage, delta wing with winglets, and special tail configurations.

Ground tests are being conducted to ensure the aircraft's safety before its first flight. The X-59 represents an effort to revive supersonic passenger jets after the discontinuation of the Concorde in 2003. source