Delta soars to record 1.8 billion dollar profit as holidaymakers pack planes

Delta Air Lines has reported soaring profits thanks to a surge in transatlantic travel (Michael Dwyer/AP/PA)

Delta Air Lines soared to a record quarterly profit of more than 1.8 billion dollars (£1.37 billion) as holidaymakers packed planes, especially to international destinations, and the airline enjoyed a tailwind from falling fuel prices.

The results released on Thursday beat Wall Street expectations, and Delta raised its forecast of full-year earnings.