# Delta Aims to Surpass United as Leading U.S. Carrier Across the Pacific

_Jun 8 10:45_

Tags: ANA, Delta, Korean Air, United, Hong Kong, Manila, Pacific, United States, airline, partnership

Delta President Peter Carter stated the airline's goal to become the leading U.S. carrier across the Pacific, acknowledging United as a key competitor. This ambition implies significant capacity growth to close a ~$4B revenue gap

## Summary

Delta President Peter Carter, speaking at the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, declared Delta's ambition to become the "leading U.S. carrier" across the Pacific, directly acknowledging United as a competitor. United CEO Scott Kirby responded competitively, stating he wants to beat Delta on "everything." Analysis suggests Delta would need to grow its Pacific revenue by roughly 150% (from ~$2.8B to ~$6.9B) to surpass United. This strategic push aligns with Delta's ongoing growth at LAX, including recent Hong Kong launches and expected Manila service by 2027, as well as its joint venture with Korean Air

## Why it matters

Affects 6 airline programs (ANA, All Nippon Airways, Delta...).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/delta-beat-united-across-pacific) — Delta Wants To Beat United Across The Pacific, Says “Bring ‘Em On”

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