Emergent Delta Keeps Global Goals

Asked about consolidation, Grinstein said it generally occurs during an industry downturn. Given the strong airline economy, "I think it is going to be deferred for several years, three or four years," he said, adding that six network carriers is not too many. If there are mergers, Delta is more likely to be an acquirer than an acquiree, he said.

Meanwhile, Bastian acknowledged that Delta benefited from a recent hostile takeover attempt by US Airways(LCC Quote), because employees united to oppose the bid. "It didn't feel (beneficial) at the time, but having a common enemy to focus on is one of the greatest rallying cries," he said.