Delta Air Lines posts $1.6b post-bankruptcy loss

NEW YORK - Delta Air Lines reported a net loss of US$1.14 billion ($1.64 billion) between September 15 and October 31, the period since its bankruptcy filing, as it coped with high fuel and restructuring costs.

The No. 3 US airline said in a court filing on Wednesday that its loss before reorganisation items was US$472 million. The period partially overlaps with its third quarter, which ended Sept. 30. It reported a third quarter net loss of US$1.1 billion last month.

Delta, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sept. 14, is seeking US$3 billion in cost cuts and revenue increases it says it needs to stem its losses.

The airline reported that it spent US$642 million on fuel in the period after filing for bankruptcy, while reorganisation-related costs contributed US$648 million to its loss.

- REUTERS