Delta reported a net profit of $363 million for the 2010 third quarter, reversing a $161 million loss for the same period a year ago. The airline also predicted a profitable fourth quarter.
A profitable fourth quarter would be Delta's first since 2000, said the airline.
Delta’s profits and rosy forecast match the expectations of Wall Street and industry analysts.
"This quarter's profit is evidence of the success of our merger. We are making progress toward our goal of consistent profitability with 10-12% annual operating margins," said Richard Anderson, Delta's CEO.
Third-quarter operating revenue was $9 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 18%.
"Revenue performance exceeded our expectations for the quarter, with especially strong performance from our international markets," said Ed Bastian, Delta's president. "We see demand strength through the holiday period and expect solid year-over-year unit revenue growth for the December quarter."
One of the reasons for the revenue boost was a $75 million increase (about 9%) in "other revenue," such as baggage fees, Delta said.