How Delta’s stake in the private jet industry could be a lifeline for the airline
There's no doubt that airlines are struggling and recent earnings reports have only reaffirmed that. Many airlines are now leaning on ancillary businesses to help navigate through these challenging times.
While loyalty programs are a popular one, for Delta, its stake in the private jet industry might become another big revenue source.
For more TPG news and deals delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
In January 2020, Delta sold its Private Jets division to Wheels Up. Terms were not disclosed at the time — all we knew was that the airline would retain an unspecified equity stake in the privately held company. However, as pointed out by Private Jet Card Comparisons, the airline released a number of details relating to the deal for the first time in its 10-Q filing for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2020.
According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, the private jet unit was "marginally profitable" before the acquisition. "We've never been able to leverage and garner the type of marketing power and brand that a Wheels Up will provide," he explained.
Delta's recent filing reveals that the airline received a 27% equity stake in Wheels Up. It was recorded as a gain of $240 million, inferring a $890 million value for the combined business.
This has since been adjusted to a 25% stake and carrying value of $234 million due to additional share issuances to Wheels Up employees. Still, this stake is worth nearly double its 9% holding in Air France-KLM, which is valued at $130 million. It's also more valuable than its stake in China Eastern, valued at $199 million.
Related: Flying private with Wheels Up as Delta Air Lines makes key change
The newly combined company, which has since also acquired Gama Aviation, now has a total fleet size of over 300 aircraft, ranging from the King Air 350i to large-cabin jets. Wheels Up is now the second-biggest private aviation company in the U.S.
And Delta's stake in the company is only going to get more valuable.
Private jet companies have seen an unprecedented surge in business in recent months amid coronavirus fears. "Wheels Up's individual demand, corporate demand, and interest in our program has gone up since the start of reporting on Corona," Kenny Dichter, CEO of Wheels Up, said in a statement to Yahoo Finance.
Related: Yes, you can fly private — here's the secret that will help you do it
As a part of the current partnership, Wheels Up members have the opportunity to fast-track Delta Medallion status, earn Delta SkyMiles, get discounts on select Delta fares and more. However, experts suggest that this partnership may grow and Delta may one day begin selling seats on shared Wheels Up flights on its own platforms. This could result in cheaper private jet flights.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees