Delta reports loss

Delta reported a pre-tax loss of $50 million for the September 2008 quarter. Excluding special items Delta reported a pre-tax loss of $26 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to pre-tax income of $363 million in the third quarter of 2007. The year-over-year decrease in pre-tax income was driven by higher fuel prices, partially offset by a 9% increase in operating revenue.