{"id":103809,"date":"2025-07-23T06:18:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T00:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=103809"},"modified":"2025-07-23T06:18:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T00:48:54","slug":"united-ceo-doubts-deltas-profit-on-new-hong-kong-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/23\/united-ceo-doubts-deltas-profit-on-new-hong-kong-route\/","title":{"rendered":"United CEO Doubts Delta\u2019s Profit on New Hong Kong Route"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> United Airlines (UA)<\/a> CEO Scott Kirby has cast doubt on the profitability of Delta Air Lines’ (DL)<\/a> new Hong Kong (HKG) route from Los Angeles (LAX). Speaking during United\u2019s Q2 2025 earnings call, Kirby suggested Delta may struggle financially on the trans-Pacific route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta recently resumed service to Hong Kong (HKG) from Los Angeles (LAX), reentering a highly competitive Asia-Pacific market long dominated by United at major West Coast gateways, including San Francisco (SFO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Scott Kirby LinkedIn Page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United CEO Doubts Delta’s Profit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During United Airlines’ (UA) Q2 2025 earnings call, CEO Scott Kirby<\/a> addressed questions regarding Delta Air Lines\u2019 (DL) new long-haul routes, specifically LAX to HKG and LAX to Chicago O\u2019Hare (ORD). United maintains a strong presence in both markets, making Delta\u2019s entry notable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kirby downplayed any concerns, remarking that with United operating over 6,000 flights daily, a couple of new Delta routes pose no threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kirby further suggested that Delta may incur financial losses on its new Hong Kong service, implying that the move was more reactive than strategic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to OMAAT<\/a>, the CEO even described Delta\u2019s launch as a form of flattery\u2014hinting it was a response to United\u2019s success across the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines operates multiple daily nonstops to Hong Kong, particularly from LAX and its primary Pacific hub in San Francisco (SFO)<\/a>. With a robust Asia-Pacific network, United has seen improved performance in the region, contrasting Delta\u2019s recent results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delta\u2019s Hong Kong Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delta\u2019s decision to restart service to Hong Kong<\/a> after an eight-year hiatus marks a significant shift in its Asia strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the choice of Los Angeles as a launch point is somewhat surprising. LAX is not Delta\u2019s strongest hub for domestic connectivity and faces stiff competition from both United and Cathay Pacific on the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, Seattle (SEA)<\/a>, where Delta has invested heavily, might have provided stronger feeder traffic. Still, LAX offers West Coast positioning essential for transpacific operations, even if it’s a tougher market to penetrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta\u2019s reliance on its joint venture partner, Korean Air, at Seoul Incheon (ICN)<\/a> adds complexity to its direct expansion in other Asian cities like Hong Kong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: Next Trip Network | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Q2 2025 Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Financial results for Q2 2025 reveal diverging trends between the two carriers\u2019 Asia operations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n