19 July 2010 Last updated at 09:19 ET

Delta Air Lines posts 'best results in a decade'

Passenger revenue at Delta rose by more than $1bn compared with a year ago

Delta Air Lines has reported its best quarterly results for a decade as the airline industry continues to recover from the global downturn.

Net profit for the three months to the end of June came in at $467m (£306m), compared with a loss of $257m for the same period a year earlier.

Revenue was $8.2bn compared with $7bn a year ago.

The airline said it expected revenue to continue to grow as the global economy continued to recover.

Profit share

"Delta's profit this quarter is our best result in a decade and proof that our plan has positioned us well as the economy begins its recovery," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive.

The return to profit was achieved despite a rise in operating expenses over the quarter of $317m, partly due to higher fuel costs.

Passenger revenue increased by 19%, or $1.1bn, while cargo revenue rose by 22%, or $38m.

Mr Anderson also said the airline would be sharing its improved fortunes with its employees with a $90m profit sharing scheme.

Global airlines suffered greatly during the downturn, when passenger numbers fell dramatically. They are now benefiting as business and leisure travellers return to the skies.