Rising fuel prices leads to Delta cutbacks
Delta Air Lines says it is will scale back on service as it cuts costs to make up for higher fuel prices, which it says is the main reason its income fell by 58 percent this year compared to this time in 2010.
It also said 2,000 workers took voluntary buyouts as part of its cutbacks.
Delta, the world's second biggest airline, was already planning to reduce flying more than usual later this year.
The 2,000 employees who accepted the buyouts represent more than 2 percent of the airline's workforce of roughly 80,000 people.
"We will resize the airline to new flying levels and reduce the size of our fleet, staff, and facilities," CEO Richard Anderson said on a conference call.
In addition to raising fares, airlines have been making plans to cut flying and focus on the routes passengers are willing to pay to fly, said the AP.
Delta said third-quarter capacity would be flat, and fourth-quarter capacity will fall 4 percent to 5 percent — one percentage point more than its previous plan.
The cuts will be "focused in markets where revenues do not cover higher fuel costs," the airline said. Domestic capacity will fall 1 percent to 3 percent, and international capacity will fall 4 percent to 6 percent.
Delta said it expects a third-quarter profit.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026