Delta Air Lines will distribute a total of $1.4 billion in profit sharing to more than 90,000 employees this February, continuing its long-standing tradition of rewarding staff on Valentine’s Day.
Since 2007, Delta has made profit sharing an integral part of its company culture, and this year’s bonus equates to roughly 10% of an employee’s annual salary. After pausing during the pandemic years, the program resumed with $500 million distributed in 2022 and $1 billion in 2023—making the 2026 figure the highest in recent years.
Delta executives say this approach boosts employee motivation and strengthens internal loyalty, contributing directly to operational performance. In the past decade alone, the airline has paid out over $11 billion in profit sharing.
Delta stands out in the airline industry with this model. While most carriers prioritize shareholder returns, Delta rewards both investors and employees. The company sees its workforce as key to its continued success.
Industry analysts point to this strategy as a major factor in Delta’s customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. CEO Ed Bastian, in a message to employees, said, “You are the reason for our success—this reward is yours.”
