<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/span>, is far bigger over the Pacific. Delta’s new president, Peter Carter, says that just won’t stand.<\/p>\n“We want to become stronger, better, faster in the trans-Pacific, and we want to become the leading U.S. carrier” across the Pacific, Carter told CNBC in an interview here during the International Air Transport Association’s annual meeting. “Ultimately … the real goal is to become the leading global carrier, which is a pretty audacious goal.”<\/p>\n
Carter, who was promoted in March, said some of that will come from Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, which is merging with Asiana Airlines. <\/p>\n
Delta posted a net profit of more than $5 billion last year, compared with United’s earnings of about $3.35 billion. However, for its trans-Pacific business, Delta’s smaller network generated just $2.79 billion in revenue, compared with United’s roughly $6.89 billion, according to company filings.<\/p>\n
Trans-Pacific flying is often highly profitable, with long-haul flights commanding a premium and served by planes with dozens of premium seats. <\/p>\n
Both carriers are adding new routes. Earlier this month, Delta launched nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong. United Airlines, meanwhile, is planning a nonstop between its San Francisco hub and Sapporo, Japan \u2014 a play for premium-ski traffic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n