Delta Air Lines (DAL) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

Other

1. 01We are at risk of losses and adverse publicity stemming from a serious accident involving our aircraft or aircraft of our airline partners
2. 02An aircraft crash or other serious accident involving our aircraft or those of our airline partners could expose us to significant liability. Although we believe that our insurance coverage is appropriate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an accident in the event that the coverage was not sufficient
3. 03Breaches or lapses in the security of the technology systems we use and rely on could compromise the data stored within them and consequently expose us to liability, disruption to our operations and damage to our reputation, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business
4. 04Disruptions of our information technology infrastructure could interfere with our operations, possibly having a material adverse effect on our business
5. 05Failure of the technology we use to perform effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business
6. 06Our business and results of operations are dependent on the price of aircraft fuel. High fuel costs or cost increases, including in the cost of crude oil, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
7. 07Significant extended disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel, including from Monroe, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations
8. 08Our commercial relationships with airlines in other parts of the world and the investments that we have in certain of those carriers may not produce the results or returns we expect
9. 09A significant disruption in, or other problems with respect to, the operations or performance of third parties on which we rely, including third-party carriers, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations
10. 10Agreements governing our debt, including our credit facilities and our SkyMiles financing agreements, include financial and other covenants. Certain of these covenants impose restrictions on our business, and failure to comply with any of the covenants in these agreements could result in events of default
11. 11Employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions may have a material adverse effect on our operations
12. 12Our results can fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors
13. 13An environmental or other incident associated with the operation of the Monroe refinery could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results if insurance is unable to cover a significant liability. In addition, such an incident could damage our reputation
14. 14The operation of the refinery by Monroe is subject to significant environmental regulation. Failure to comply with environmental regulations or the enactment of additional regulation applicable to Monroe could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial results
15. 15Significant damage to our reputation and brand, including as a result of significant adverse publicity or inability to achieve certain sustainability goals, could materially adversely affect our business and financial results
16. 16If we lose senior management and other key employees and they are not replaced by individuals with comparable skills, or we otherwise fail to maintain our company culture, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected
17. 17Disease outbreaks or other public health threats, and measures implemented to combat them have had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on our business
18. 18Terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflict or security events may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations
19. 19The global airline industry is highly competitive and, if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected
20. 20Extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports in which we operate or significant problems associated with a type of aircraft or engine we operate could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations
21. 21Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that result in significant costs and may have material adverse effects on our business. There have also been recent legal developments in the United States that may change the way historical obligations have been interpreted or applied
22. 22Because of the global nature of our business, unfavorable economic or political conditions in the markets in which we operate or volatility in currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations