Delta makes more money than any other U.S. airline. Fly across the Pacific, though, and it is the one playing catch-up.
United pulls in more than twice Delta's revenue on those routes. Delta's new president just made clear he wants to close that gap.
He sees the Pacific as the next big prize.
Where The Numbers Flip
The overall scoreboard favors Delta. It earned more than $5 billion in net profit last year, while United made about $3.35 billion.
Net profit is just what a firm keeps after all its bills are paid. By that measure, Delta is the clear leader at home.
Over the Pacific, that lead flips. United brought in about $6.89 billion there, versus Delta's $2.79 billion, according to company filings.
Revenue is the cash a firm pulls in before costs. On these routes, United rakes in far more of it.
Those long flights matter. They are some of the most profitable an airline can sell.
Pack a plane with pricey seats, and a 13-hour trip prints money in a way a short hop never will.
That is why both airlines are chasing rich travelers. For Delta, premium sales are set to top coach for the first time as soon as this year.
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The Race For Big Spenders
Delta spent two decades building its high-end brand, from fancy lounges to a rich American Express deal. Now its new president, Peter Carter, wants the top spot over the Pacific.
His bigger dream is to lead the world. It is a bold goal for a carrier that trails on these routes.
Part of that plan runs through Korean Air. Delta has a tie-up with the airline, which is merging with Asiana.
Delta also just launched nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Hong Kong. Each new route is a fresh bet on Asia.
That is where the airline sees its next leg of growth.
United is not standing still. It has poured money into new planes and tech, and it is adding a nonstop from San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan to chase the ski crowd.
The airline has also built a wide map of new spots abroad. Its reach now runs from Mongolia to Greenland.
Worth Noting
The U.S. travel market is the world's largest, but it is about as big as it will get. That is why both airlines are looking overseas to grow.
Together, Delta and United scoop up most of the industry's profits. The home market is mature, so the real fight is abroad.
United's CEO said he was flattered Delta is gunning for him. He added that he has a lot of respect for Delta, and takes the rivalry as a compliment.
Asked what he wants to beat Delta on, he gave a one-word answer: everything.
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