Delta Wants to Overtake United as the Pacific’s Top Airline

Delta Air Lines is aiming to challenge United Airlines for leadership in trans-Pacific flying, even though Delta remains the more profitable U.S. carrier overall. Delta president Peter Carter said the airline wants to become “stronger, better, faster” across the Pacific and ultimately emerge as the leading global carrier. He noted that international flying, especially long-haul routes, is central to Delta’s future because the U.S. market is mature and offers limited room for growth.

The competition highlights a contrast between profitability and network reach. Delta reported more than $5 billion in net profit last year, compared with roughly $3.35 billion for United. But United’s trans-Pacific business was much larger, generating about $6.89 billion in revenue, versus Delta’s $2.79 billion. The Pacific region is attractive because long-haul routes often carry premium fares and include more business-class and first-class seats, making them especially lucrative.

Both airlines are expanding their international footprints. Delta recently launched nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong, while United is planning a new nonstop route from San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan, aimed partly at premium ski travelers. Delta is also expected to benefit from its joint venture with Korean Air, which is in the process of merging with Asiana Airlines, potentially strengthening its position in Asia.

Over the last two decades, Delta has built a reputation as the premium U.S. airline, investing heavily in upscale airport lounges, service upgrades, and a profitable partnership with American Express. United has been pursuing a similar strategy, with major investments in technology, large aircraft orders, and new international destinations stretching from Mongolia to Croatia to Greenland. The rivalry between the two carriers is increasingly centered on who can dominate global travel, not just domestic U.S. routes.

United CEO Scott Kirby welcomed Delta’s focus on competition, saying he viewed it as a compliment. He said he has great respect for what Delta has built, but added that United sees Delta as a serious rival. When asked what he wants to beat Delta on, Kirby answered simply: “Everything.”

Carter, meanwhile, said Delta cannot afford to be complacent. He emphasized that the airline must keep pushing because United is aggressively copying elements of Delta’s playbook and fighting for the same high-value travelers. His message was clear: Delta intends to stay hungry, expand internationally, and compete directly with United for leadership in the skies over the Pacific and beyond.