Delta’s CEO Sounds Optimistic Note for 2017; Hopes to Meet Buffett

Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Ed Bastian on Thursday sounded an optimistic note for 2017 earnings and said he expects to meet soon with the company’s newest and biggest investor, billionaire Warren Buffett. Two months ago Delta announced last year’s record-breaking performance, but noted that higher fuel prices and wage costs could weigh on margins during the March quarter before they expand again in the second half of the year.

Berkshire’s Airline Bet Said to Stem From Faith in Parker’s Call

Warren Buffett once quipped that a “farsighted capitalist” should have shot down Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk to spare investors all the losses they would suffer on airlines in the decades after the birth of flight. That’s why it was a surprise when, in November, the billionaire’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. disclosed investments in the four largest U.S. carriers: American Airlines Group Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc., Southwest Airlines Co.

Delta’s U.S. Grounding Is Lifted After Latest Computer Glitch

Delta Air Lines Inc. started resuming U.S. domestic flights after a 2 1/2-hour computer breakdown grounded about 150 flights and left passengers stranded across the country. “I want to apologize to all of our customers who have been impacted by this frustrating situation,” Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said in the statement.

United Airlines Said to Plan Los Angeles Push in Comeback Effort

United Continental Holdings Inc. is targeting a major expansion at Los Angeles International Airport in an effort to reverse a slide that’s left the airline languishing behind its biggest rivals at the busiest West Coast hub, said people familiar with the plans. President Scott Kirby told United pilots this month that the company needs more space and is studying plans to claim most or all of a future terminal, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.

Bombardier CEO Seeks to Close Window on C Series Jet Discounts

Bombardier Inc. gained sales momentum for its flagship C Series jetliner this year with major orders from Air Canada and Delta Air Lines Inc. Now it’s looking to get away from the pricing discounts that fueled the aircraft’s rebound. The planemaker expects to book new sales in the coming months after racking up 360 firm orders and more than 400 commitments for the C Series, its biggest-ever plane, Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemare said.