More Biscoffs, less Boeing… Delta’s earnings land on Wednesday, while Boeing jet-delivery delays roil the airline industry. Delta doesn’t fly Boeing Max jets, but it did order $13B+ worth of the new 737 Max 10s (delivery could be delayed till 2027). The airline pulled in record sales last year and doubled its Q4 profit as postpandemic “revenge travel” continued, fueled by international vacays. Americans’ splurges on global travel boomed 30% last year — 5X the rate of overall spending growth. Delta’s expected to report an earnings increase as travelers go for the long haul.
Total eclipse of the credit card… Up to 4M people are expected to travel for today’s solar eclipse, generating $1.5B in econ activity for the states hosting them (FYI: tourists could spend ~$244/person). Cities like Dallas and Cleveland, which will see the sun fully obscured by the moon, could benefit as hotels and restos offer eclipse-weekend packages (picture: cocktails and viewing glasses). It’s not just cities: Delta and United saw big bookings for flights along the #PathOfTotality, and Krispy Kreme, Sonic, and Sunchips are serving up themed snacks.