Delta Air Lines Grounded?! Trade Wars Send Airline Industry Into a Tailspin!

Oy Ya Ya! Trouble in the Skies!

Hello everyone! It's Jackie! Did you hear the news? Seems like even Delta Air Lines is feeling the pinch! CEO Ed Bastian is saying that Trump's trade policies are "the wrong approach" and that bookings aren't looking so hot. This is like when I'm trying to do a simple stunt and suddenly 10 guys with swords jump out! Unexpected and… not fun!

No More Wing Chun in the Aisles?

Delta's thinking of hitting the brakes on expanding flights in the second half of the year. The Wall Street guys were expecting them to grow about 1.9% but now Delta's saying it might actually *shrink* by up to 2%! That’s worse than finding out all the props in my next fight scene are made of styrofoam! Remember 'Don't look for problems they usually find you.' But in this case the problems seem to be finding Delta.

When is a good trade deal a bad trade deal?

Bastian is saying some companies are rethinking business trips and this trade war craziness is not helping markets are 'reeling'. This reminds me of when I try to be the peace maker in Rumble in the Bronx and have to fight my way out.

Profits Up But for How Long?

On the bright side Delta's first quarter earnings were actually *up*! Net income rose to $240 million up from $37 million last year. Revenue's up too! But like I always say "Sometimes it is better to trust no one." Because Wall Street’s been slashing their estimates and price targets fearing a slowdown! Even *I* know that when things look too good to be true they usually are.

Expect some turbulence!

Delta had planned to expand flying capacity by 3% to 4%. Now? Flat! Zero! Zilch! This is like when I think I've nailed a take and then the director yells 'Cut! Do it again!' So frustrating! But Bastian says they're focusing on protecting margins and cash flow. Smart move! "I never wanted to be the next Bruce Lee. I wanted to be the first Jackie Chan."

Other airlines will be forced to copy Delta!?

Delta is the first of the big airlines to report. So now everyone's watching to see what United American and Southwest do. It's like when I invent a new fighting style and everyone tries to copy it! But remember "I'm not afraid to fail. I just don't want to try." Haha! Let's hope these airlines can navigate these trade war storms and land safely. For now I am Jackie Chan and I am out!