Delta Air Lines Reports 2009 Financial Results

Jan. 26, 2010

ATLANTA, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today reported financial results for the December quarter and full year 2009. Key points include:

-- Delta's net loss excluding special items(1) for the December 2009 quarter was $225 million, or $0.27 per share. This result is $285 million better than the prior year quarter on a combined basis(2) excluding special items. -- Delta's net loss was $25 million, or $0.03 per share, for the December 2009 quarter. -- Delta's net loss for 2009 was $1.2 billion, including $169 million in special items. Excluding special items and $1.4 billion of fuel hedge losses, Delta's net profit for 2009 was $291 million. -- Delta ended 2009 with $5.4 billion in unrestricted liquidity, a $400 million increase year over year. -- Delta continued its successful integration of Northwest Airlines and received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for a single operating certificate at year end.

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"2009 was a difficult year by any measure and my thanks go out to the Delta people for their hard work through this challenging time," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer. "As a result of the strategic pieces we put in place in 2009 and the strong momentum of our merger integration, Delta is now positioned to capitalize on the economic recovery under way and expects to generate positive RASM improvements each month of this year."

Revenue Environment

Delta's operating revenue on a GAAP basis grew 1% to $6.8 billion in the December 2009 quarter compared to the prior year period as a result of its merger with Northwest. On a combined basis, total operating revenue declined nearly $1 billion, or 12%, and total unit revenue (RASM) declined 5% in the December 2009 quarter compared to the 2008 quarter.

(in millions) 4Q09 4Q08 Incr 4Q09 4Q08 Incr GAAP GAAP (Decr) GAAP Combined (Decr) ---- ---- ------ ---- -------- ------ Passenger $5,779 $5,735 1% $5,779 $6,657 (13)% Cargo 253 230 10% 253 285 (11)% Other, net 773 748 3% 773 826 (6)% Total Operating Revenue $6,805 $6,713 1% $6,805 $7,768 (12)%

On a combined basis:

-- Total operating revenue declined 12% in the December 2009 quarter versus the prior year quarter due to the global economic recession. -- Passenger revenue decreased 13%, or $878 million, compared to the prior year period on an 8% capacity reduction. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) declined 5%, driven by a 7% decline in yield and a 1 point improvement in load factor. -- Cargo revenue declined 11%, or $32 million, reflecting lower yields. Freighter capacity was 19% lower year over year due to Delta's decision to end all dedicated freighter flying by the end of 2009. -- Other, net revenue declined 6%, or $53 million, primarily due to declines in administrative service charges which were partially offset by increased baggage fees.

Comparisons of revenue-related statistics are as follows:

Increase (Decrease) 4Q09 (GAAP) versus 4Q08 (Combined) ----------------------- 4Q09 ($M) Change Unit Passenger Revenue GAAP YOY Revenue Yield Capacity ---- --- ------- ----- -------- Domestic $2,670 (12.7)% (8.0)% (6.6)% (5.1)% Atlantic 1,014 (19.7)% 0.2% (7.2)% (19.8)% Latin America 294 (5.4)% (8.4)% (11.8)% 3.6% Pacific 491 (22.9)% (14.6)% (14.4)% (9.8)% Total mainline 4,469 (15.2)% (6.6)% (7.8)% (9.2)% Regional 1,310 (5.6)% (3.7)% (5.4)% (2.0)% Consolidated $5,779 (13.2)% (5.4)% (6.6)% (8.2)%

"Our revenue performance this quarter showed indications of economic recovery with increased corporate travel demand, strong load factors and sequential RASM improvement each month," said Ed Bastian, Delta's president. "With initiatives in place to broaden our network through new alliances, invest $1 billion in our fleet and product and reallocate our global fleet under our single operating certificate, we have built the foundation for further RASM improvement this year."

Cost Performance

In the December 2009 quarter, Delta's operating expense on a GAAP basis decreased approximately $1 billion year over year primarily due to lower restructuring and merger-related items. Excluding special items, operating expense decreased $1.2 billion due to lower fuel expense, reduced capacity, productivity improvements and merger benefits in the December 2009 quarter compared to the prior year period on a combined basis. These cost reductions were partially offset by investments in Delta's product, increased employee wages and higher pension expense.

On a combined basis:

-- Consolidated unit cost (CASM(3)), excluding fuel expense and special items, increased 7% year over year in the December 2009 quarter as the pace of capacity reductions exceeded the benefits from cost reduction initiatives and merger synergies. -- Non-operating expense excluding special items decreased $55 million, or 15%, in the December 2009 quarter primarily due to lower foreign exchange losses.

"Delta's strong financial foundation and unmatched merger benefits allowed us to keep our full year unit costs contained and grow our unrestricted liquidity to $5.4 billion," said Hank Halter, chief financial officer. "We are well positioned for 2010 with more than 50% of our debt maturities already addressed and plans to keep our non-fuel unit costs flat to 2009."

Fuel Price and Related Hedges

Delta hedged 40% of its fuel consumption for the December 2009 quarter, for an average fuel price(4) of $2.17 per gallon. The table below represents the fuel hedges Delta had in place as of Jan. 22, 2010:

1Q10 2Q10 3Q10 4Q10 ---- ---- ---- ---- Call options 23% 17% 6% 3% Collars 6% 5% 3% 0% Swaps 18% 9% 2% 0% --- --- --- --- Total 47% 31% 11% 3% --- --- --- --- Average crude call strike $67 $72 $87 $91 Average crude collar cap 75 83 83 - Average crude collar floor 64 72 73 - Average crude swap 77 79 80 -

Liquidity Position

As of Dec. 31, 2009, Delta had $5.4 billion in unrestricted liquidity, including $4.7 billion in cash and short-term investments and $685 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities. Operating cash flow during the December 2009 quarter was negative $75 million, reflecting the pre-tax loss and the seasonal declines in air traffic liability.

During the quarter, the company completed a total of $1.1 billion in financing transactions, including $689 million from the 2009-1 EETC offering to refinance 27 aircraft (of which $347 million remains in escrow), $150 million from the issuance of unsecured municipal bonds and $250 million in new revolving credit facilities. Northwest's $300 million undrawn revolving credit facility terminated on its scheduled maturity date. Debt and capital lease payments for the December 2009 quarter totaled $628 million, which included repaying the original financing for five aircraft in the 2009-1 EETC.

Capital expenditures during the quarter were approximately $175 million, which included $136 million for investments in aircraft, parts and modifications.

Company Highlights

In 2009, Delta continued to position itself as the world's No. 1 airline, with an ongoing commitment to employees, customers and communities. Key accomplishments include:

-- Paying more than $65 million in 2009 in employee Shared Rewards for achieving operational performance goals; -- Achieving more than $700 million in synergy benefits in 2009 from its merger with Northwest, with an incremental $600 million expected in 2010; -- Receiving final authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration for Delta and Northwest to fly under a single operating certificate and merging Delta and Northwest into a single legal entity; -- Resolving union representation and seniority integration for aircraft maintenance technicians, other Technical Operations employee groups, dispatchers and meteorologists and scheduling an election for simulator technicians to vote on IAM representation; -- Implementing an expanded trans-Atlantic alliance with Air France-KLM, which will result in more flight choices, frequencies, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and harmonized services for customers; -- Completing the integration and re-branding of 247 airport facilities worldwide; -- Improving the quality and consistency of Delta's product by painting more than 300 pre-merger Northwest aircraft in the Delta livery, installing Wi-Fi on more than 346 aircraft, refurbishing the interiors of approximately 90 percent of the pre-merger Northwest mainline fleet and harmonizing onboard products and services worldwide; -- Announcing plans to invest $1 billion through mid-2013 to enhance the customer experience and improve fleet efficiency with installation of flat-bed BusinessElite seats, expanded in-flight entertainment, additional First Class service on regional jets and new Sky Club lounges; -- Creating the world's largest airline loyalty program by merging the Northwest WorldPerks program into Delta SkyMiles and announcing the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion program offering frequent flyers new, industry-leading benefits, including a Diamond level status and rollover Medallion Qualification Miles; -- Reaching a definitive agreement with US Airways to exchange slots and airport facilities at New York's LaGuardia and Washington's Reagan National airports, subject to regulatory approval, which will enable Delta to serve an additional two million customers at LaGuardia annually without added congestion; -- Partnering with the City of Atlanta to reach an agreement to extend Delta's lease at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport through 2017 to maintain the airport's position as the leading airport in the world; -- Receiving recognition for industry-leading products and services, including "Best Frequent Flyer Program," "Best Airline Web Site" and "Best Airport Lounge" from Business Traveler magazine and receiving the "Extra Mile Award" from Budget Travel magazine for the re-launch of Delta's Red Coat program; and -- Contributing cash and in-kind donations to charities around the globe, including sponsoring Habitat for Humanity builds in six U.S. cities and Thailand, partnering with the American Red Cross for Haiti relief and continuing a long-standing partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Special Items

Delta recorded special items totaling a net $200 million credit in the December 2009 quarter, including:

-- $121 million in merger-related expenses; and -- a $321 million non-cash tax benefit related to the impact of fuel hedges in other comprehensive income.

Delta recorded special items totaling $1 billion in charges in the December 2008 quarter, including:

-- $970 million in merger-related items; -- a $20 million write-down in the value of auction rate securities; and -- an $18 million charge related to facilities closure.

March 2010 Quarter Guidance

Delta's projections for the March 2010 quarter are below.

1Q 2010 Forecast ---------------- Fuel price, including taxes and hedges $2.22 Operating margin Breakeven Capital expenditures $400 million Total liquidity as of Mar. 31, 2010 $5.6 billion 1Q 2010 Forecast (compared to 1Q 2009) ----------------- Consolidated unit costs - excluding fuel expense Flat to up 2% Mainline unit costs - excluding fuel expense Flat to up 2% System capacity Down 3 - 5 % Domestic Down 1 - 3 % International Down 5 - 7 % Mainline capacity Down 3 - 5 % Domestic Down 2 - 4 % International Down 5 - 7 %

Other Matters

Included with this press release are Delta's unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008; a statistical summary for those periods; selected balance sheet data as of Dec. 31, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2008; and a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

About Delta

Delta Air Lines, the world's No. 1 airline, serves more than 160 million passengers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 368 destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Delta employs more than 70,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France KLM. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 16,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.

Endnotes

(1) Note A to the attached Consolidated Statements of Operations provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this release and provides the reasons management uses those measures.

(2) Delta's financial results under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) include the results of Northwest Airlines for the periods following the completion of the merger, which occurred on Oct. 29, 2008. Unless otherwise indicated, Delta presents financial results on a GAAP basis, which reflects both Delta and Northwest financial results for the December 2009 quarter. Under GAAP, Delta does not include in its financial results the results of Northwest prior to the completion of the merger. This impacts the comparability of Delta's financial statements under GAAP for the December 2009 and 2008 quarters. In this press release, Delta presents its financial results for the December 2008 quarter under GAAP as well as on a "combined basis". "Combined basis" means the company combines the financial results of Delta and Northwest as if the merger had occurred prior to the beginning of the applicable period. Delta's financial results on a combined basis for the December 2008 quarter include the financial results of Northwest for the period Oct. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. Delta believes presenting this financial information on a combined basis provides a more meaningful basis for comparing Delta's year-over-year financial performance than the GAAP financial information.

(3) Delta excludes from consolidated unit cost ancillary businesses which are not related to the generation of a seat mile, including aircraft maintenance and staffing services which Delta provides to third parties, Delta's dedicated freighter operations and Delta's vacation wholesale operations (MLT). Similarly, Delta excludes from passenger unit revenues, and includes in other revenue, revenues Delta received for providing aircraft maintenance and staffing services to third parties, freighter operations and MLT. Management believes these classifications provide a more consistent and comparable reflection of Delta's consolidated operations.

(4) Delta's December 2009 quarter average fuel price of $2.17 per gallon reflects the consolidated cost per gallon for mainline and regional operations, including contract carrier operations, net of fuel hedge impact.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, may be "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections and strategies reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the cost of aircraft fuel; the effects of the global recession; the effects of the global financial crisis; the impact of posting collateral in connection with our fuel hedge contracts; the impact that our indebtedness will have on our financial and operating activities and our ability to incur additional debt; the restrictions that financial covenants in our financing agreements will have on our financial and business operations; labor issues; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our merger with Northwest; the integration of the Delta and Northwest workforces; interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our hub airports; our increasing dependence on technology in its operations; our ability to retain management and key employees; the ability of our credit card processors to take significant holdbacks in certain circumstances; the effects of terrorist attacks; and competitive conditions in the airline industry.

Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause differences between actual results and forward-looking statements is contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2009. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which represent our views only as of January 26, 2010, and which we have no current intention to update.

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, --------------------------- (in millions, except per share data) 2009 2008(1) ---- ------ Operating Revenue: Passenger: Mainline $4,469 $4,528 Regional carriers 1,310 1,207 Total passenger revenue 5,779 5,735 Cargo 253 230 Other, net 773 748 Total operating revenue 6,805 6,713 Operating Expense: Aircraft fuel and related taxes 1,706 2,294 Salaries and related costs 1,687 1,391 Contract carrier arrangements(2) 941 930 Contracted services 419 346 Depreciation and amortization 384 374 Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 284 333 Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 336 298 Landing fees and other rents 318 268 Passenger service 161 129 Aircraft rent 117 106 Restructuring and merger-related items 121 987 Other 377 354 Total operating expense 6,851 7,810 Operating Loss (46) (1,097) Other (Expense) Income: Interest expense (327) (277) Interest income 4 19 Miscellaneous, net 14 (83) --- Total other expense, net (309) (341) ---- ---- Loss Before Income Taxes (355) (1,438) Income Tax Benefit 330 - Net Loss $(25) $(1,438) ==== ======= Basic and Diluted Loss per Share $(0.03) $(2.11) ====== ====== Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 830 682 $Change % Change (in millions, except per share data) H(L) H(L) ---- ---- Operating Revenue: Passenger: Mainline $(59) (1)% Regional carriers 103 9% Total passenger revenue 44 1% Cargo 23 10% Other, net 25 3% Total operating revenue 92 1% Operating Expense: Aircraft fuel and related taxes (588) (26)% Salaries and related costs 296 21% Contract carrier arrangements(2) 11 1% Contracted services 73 21% Depreciation and amortization 10 3% Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs (49) (15)% Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 38 13% Landing fees and other rents 50 19% Passenger service 32 25% Aircraft rent 11 10% Restructuring and merger-related items (866) (88)% Other 23 6% Total operating expense (959) (12)% ---- Operating Loss 1,051 (96)% Other (Expense) Income: Interest expense (50) 18% Interest income (15) (79)% Miscellaneous, net 97 NM Total other expense, net 32 (9)% Loss Before Income Taxes 1,083 (75)% Income Tax Benefit 330 NM Net Loss $1,413 (98)% ====== Basic and Diluted Loss per Share Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (1) Pursuant to GAAP, results for the December 2008 quarter presented in this table reflect Delta standalone and Northwest from Oct. 30, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. See Note A for a representation of "Combined" results for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2008, which includes Northwest results for that period. (2) Contract carrier arrangements expense includes $249 million and $301 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for aircraft fuel and related taxes. DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Year Ended Dec. 31, ------------------- (in millions, except per share data) 2009 2008(1) ---- ------ Operating Revenue: Passenger: Mainline $18,522 $15,137 Regional carriers 5,285 4,446 ----- ----- Total passenger revenue 23,807 19,583 Cargo 788 686 Other, net 3,468 2,428 ----- ----- Total operating revenue 28,063 22,697 Operating Expense: Aircraft fuel and related taxes 7,384 7,346 Salaries and related costs 6,838 4,329 Contract carrier arrangements(2) 3,823 3,766 Contracted services 1,595 1,062 Depreciation and amortization 1,536 1,266 Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 1,434 1,169 Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 1,405 1,030 Landing fees and other rents 1,289 787 Passenger service 638 440 Aircraft rent 480 307 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets - 7,296 Restructuring and merger-related items 407 1,131 Other 1,558 1,082 ----- ----- Total operating expense 28,387 31,011 ------ ------ Operating Loss (324) (8,314) Other (Expense) Income: Interest expense (1,278) (705) Interest income 27 92 Loss on extinguishment of debt (83) - Miscellaneous, net 77 (114) --- ---- Total other expense, net (1,257) (727) ------ ---- Loss Before Income Taxes (1,581) (9,041) Income Tax Benefit 344 119 --- --- Net Loss $(1,237) $(8,922) ======= ======= Basic and Diluted Loss per Share $(1.50) $(19.08) ====== ======= Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 827 468 === === $Change % Change (in millions, except per share data) H(L) H(L) ---- ---- Operating Revenue: Passenger: Mainline $3,385 22% Regional carriers 839 19% --- Total passenger revenue 4,224 22% Cargo 102 15% Other, net 1,040 43% ----- Total operating revenue 5,366 24% Operating Expense: Aircraft fuel and related taxes 38 1% Salaries and related costs 2,509 58% Contract carrier arrangements(2) 57 2% Contracted services 533 50% Depreciation and amortization 270 21% Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 265 23% Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 375 36% Landing fees and other rents 502 64% Passenger service 198 45% Aircraft rent 173 56% Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets (7,296) NM Restructuring and merger-related items (724) (64)% Other 476 44% --- Total operating expense (2,624) (8)% ------ Operating Loss 7,990 (96)% Other (Expense) Income: Interest expense (573) 81% Interest income (65) (71)% Loss on extinguishment of debt (83) NM Miscellaneous, net 191 NM --- Total other expense, net (530) 73% ---- Loss Before Income Taxes 7,460 (83)% Income Tax Benefit 225 NM --- Net Loss $7,685 (86)% ====== Basic and Diluted Loss per Share Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (1) Pursuant to GAAP, results for the year ended December 2008 presented in this table reflect Delta standalone for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008 and Northwest from Oct. 30, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. (2) Contract carrier arrangements expense includes $907 million and $1.7 billion for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for aircraft fuel and related taxes. DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Selected Balance Sheet Data Dec. Dec. 31, 31, (in millions) 2009 2008 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents $4,607 $4,255 Short-term investments 71 212 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (short- term and long-term) 444 453 Total assets 43,581 45,084 Total debt and capital leases, including current maturities 17,198 16,571 Total stockholders' equity 274 874 DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Combined Statistical Summary (1) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 2009 Combined(1) Change Consolidated: Revenue Passenger Miles (millions)(2) 43,559 46,848 (7.0)% Available Seat Miles (millions)(2) 53,324 58,098 (8.2)% Passenger Mile Yield(2) (cents) 13.27 14.21 (6.6)% Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile (PRASM)(2) (cents) 10.84 11.46 (5.4)% Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (CASM)(2) (cents) 12.52 15.89 (21.2)% CASM excluding Special Items(2) -See Note A (cents) 12.29 13.24 (7.2)% CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related Taxes(2)(3) - See Note A (cents) 8.68 8.11 7.0% Passenger Load Factor(2) 81.7 % 80.6 % 1.1 pts Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions)(2) 902 976 (7.6)% Average Price Per Fuel Gallon, Net of Hedging Activity (2) $2.17 $3.12 (30.4)% Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period 983 1,023 (40) Aircraft Full-Time Equivalent Employees, End of Period 81,106 84,306 (3.8)% Mainline: Revenue Passenger Miles (millions) 37,537 40,810 (8.0)% Available Seat Miles (millions) 45,582 50,194 (9.2)% Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (CASM) (cents) 11.44 15.25 (25.0)% CASM excluding Special Items - See Note A (cents) 11.18 12.22 (8.5)% CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related Taxes - See Note A (cents) 7.80 7.20 8.3% Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions) 728 789 (7.7)% Average Price Per Fuel Gallon, Net of Hedging Activity $2.17 $3.67 (40.9)% Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period 740 767 (27) Aircraft 1 Data presented reflects operations for both Delta and Northwest for the December 2008 quarter. 2 Data presented includes operations under our contract carrier arrangements. 3 Excludes $249 million and $301 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for fuel expense incurred under contract carrier arrangements. DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Combined Statistical Summary (1) (Unaudited) Year Ended Dec. 31, ------------------- 2008 2009 Combined(1) Change ---- ------------ ------ Consolidated: Revenue Passenger Miles (millions)(2) 188,943 202,726 (6.8)% Available Seat Miles (millions)(2) 230,331 246,164 (6.4)% Passenger Mile Yield(2) (cents) 12.60 14.65 (14.0)% Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile (PRASM)(2) (cents) 10.34 12.07 (14.3)% Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (CASM)(2) (cents) 12.01 18.92 (36.5)% CASM excluding Special Items(2) - See Note A (cents) 11.83 13.37 (11.5)% CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related Taxes(2)(3) - See Note A (cents) 8.28 7.98 3.8% Passenger Load Factor(2) 82.0 % 82.4 % (0.4) pts Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions)(2) 3,853 4,158 (7.3)% Average Price Per Fuel Gallon, Net of Hedging Activity (2) $2.15 $3.29 (34.7)% Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period 983 1,023 (40) Aircraft Full-Time Equivalent Employees, End of Period 81,106 84,306 (3.8)% Mainline: Revenue Passenger Miles (millions) 163,706 177,361 (7.7)% Available Seat Miles (millions) 197,723 213,447 (7.4)% Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (cents) 11.04 18.52 (40.4)% (CASM) (cents) CASM excluding Special Items - See Note A (cents) 10.84 12.15 (10.8)% CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related Taxes - See Note A (cents) 7.40 7.11 4.1% Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions) 3,106 3,393 (8.5)% Average Price Per Fuel Gallon, Net of Hedging Activity $2.23 $3.40 (34.4)% Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period 740 767 (27) Aircraft 1 Data presented reflects operations for both Delta and Northwest for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008. 2 Data presented includes operations under our contract carrier arrangements. 3 Excludes $907 million and $1.7 billion for the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for fuel expense incurred under contract carrier arrangements.

Operating Expense Reclassifications

Delta reclassified certain prior period operating expense amounts to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications do not impact total operating expense, net income, or other key financial metrics in any period. We reclassified travel and incidental expenses, primarily crew meals and lodging expenses, from salaries and related costs to other operating expenses. This reclassification more closely aligns the statements of operations to that of the airline industry. We also reclassified expenses associated with the cost incurred to provide services to third-party connection carriers.

4Q08 1Q09 2Q09 3Q09 ---- ---- ---- ---- (in millions) OPERATING EXPENSE: Salaries and related costs $(164) $(161) $(168) $(172) Contracted services (24) (26) (22) (25) Other 188 187 190 197 --- --- --- --- Total operating expense - - - -

Note A: The following tables show reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures. The reasons Delta uses these measures are described below.

-- Delta completed its merger with Northwest Airlines on Oct. 29, 2008. Accordingly, Delta's financial results under GAAP for 2009 include the results of Northwest Airlines for the period Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. Under GAAP, Delta does not include in its financial results the results of Northwest Airlines prior to the merger. Accordingly, Delta's financial results under GAAP for the December 2008 quarter include the results of Northwest Airlines from Oct. 30, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. This impacts the comparability of Delta's financial statements under GAAP for the December 2009 and 2008 quarters. Delta presents its financial results for the December 2008 quarter under GAAP as well as on a "combined basis." "Combined basis" means the company combines the financial results of Delta and Northwest as if the merger had occurred prior to the beginning of the applicable period. Delta believes presenting this financial information on a combined basis provides a more meaningful basis for comparing Delta's year-over-year financial performance than the GAAP financial information. This press release also includes guidance for the March 2010 quarter. Delta is unable to reconcile certain forward-looking projections to GAAP, including projected consolidated cost per available seat mile (CASM) and Mainline non-fuel CASM, as the nature or amount of special items cannot be estimated at this time. -- Delta excludes special items and fuel hedge losses because management believes the exclusion of these items is helpful to investors to evaluate the company's recurring operational performance. -- Delta excludes non-cash mark-to-market (MTM) adjustments related to fuel hedges settling in future periods in order to present financial results related to operations in the period shown. -- Delta presents consolidated and Mainline CASM excluding fuel expense and related taxes because management believes the volatility in fuel prices impacts the comparability of year-over-year financial performance. -- Consolidated and Mainline CASM excludes ancillary businesses not associated with the generation of a seat mile. These businesses include expenses related to Delta's providing maintenance and staffing services to third parties, dedicated freighter operations and Delta's vacation wholesale operations. -- Delta presents net capital expenditures because management believes this metric is helpful to investors to evaluate the company's investing activities. -- Delta presents total debt and capital lease payments because management believes this metric is helpful to investors to evaluate the company's debt-related activities. DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Unaudited Combined Statements of Operations Three Months Oct. 1, 2008 Ended through ------------ ------------ Dec. 31, 2008 Oct. 29, 2008 ------------- ------------- (in millions) Delta(1) Northwest(1) -------- ------------ OPERATING REVENUE: Passenger: Mainline $4,528 $741 Regional carriers 1,207 181 ----- --- Total passenger revenue 5,735 922 Cargo 230 55 Other, net 748 78 --- --- Total operating revenue 6,713 1,055 OPERATING EXPENSE: Aircraft fuel and related taxes 2,294 750 Salaries and related costs 1,391 223 Contract carrier arrangements 930 81 Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 333 49 Contracted services 346 65 Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 298 72 Depreciation and amortization 374 39 Landing fees and other rents 268 40 Aircraft rent 106 17 Passenger service 129 20 Restructuring and merger-related items 987 224 Other 354 61 --- --- Total operating expense 7,810 1,641 ----- ----- OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME (1,097) (586) OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME: Interest expense (277) (39) Interest income 19 5 Miscellaneous, net (83) (9) --- --- Total other expense, net (341) (43) ---- --- LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (1,438) (629) INCOME TAX PROVISION - - --- --- NET LOSS $(1,438) $(629) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 ------------------ Special (in millions) Items Combined -------- -------- OPERATING REVENUE: Passenger: Mainline $- $5,269 Regional carriers - 1,388 --- ----- Total passenger revenue - 6,657 Cargo - 285 Other, net - 826 --- --- Total operating revenue - 7,768 OPERATING EXPENSE: Aircraft fuel and related taxes (301) (2) 2,743 Salaries and related costs (25) (3) 1,589 Contract carrier arrangements - 1,011 Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs - 382 Contracted services - 411 Passenger commissions and other selling expenses - 370 Depreciation and amortization - 413 Landing fees and other rents - 308 Aircraft rent - 123 Passenger service - 149 Restructuring and merger-related items (1,211) (4) - Other - 415 --- --- Total operating expense (1,537) 7,914 ------ ----- OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME 1,537 (146) OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME: Interest expense - (316) Interest income - 24 Miscellaneous, net 20 (5) (72) --- --- Total other expense, net 20 (364) --- ---- LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,557 (510) INCOME TAX PROVISION - - --- --- NET LOSS $1,557 $(510) Notes: Combined Contract carrier arrangements expense includes $301 million for fuel expense incurred under these arrangements. 1 We reclassified prior period amounts to conform to current presentations 2 $301 million in out-of-period fuel hedges 3 $25 million of merger-related expenses 4 $1.2 billion in merger-related charges and $18 million in facilities restructuring 5 $20 million write-down in value of auction rate securities Three Months Year Ended Ended Dec. 31, 2009 Dec. 31, 2009 ------------- ------------- (in millions) Net loss $(25) $(1,237) Items excluded: Restructuring and merger-related items 121 407 Loss on extinguishment of debt - 83 Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income (321) (321) ---- ---- $(225) $(1,068) Net loss excluding special items ===== ======= Weighted average shares outstanding 830 827 --- --- Loss per share excluding special items $(0.27) $(1.29) ====== ====== Year Ended ---------- Dec. 31, (in millions) 2009 --------- Net loss excluding special items $(1,068) Item excluded: Fuel hedge losses 1,359 ----- Net income excluding special items and fuel hedge losses $291 ==== GAAP ---- Three Months (in millions) Ended ------------- Dec. 31, 2009 --------- Operating expense $6,851 Items excluded: MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods - Restructuring and merger-related items (121) ---- Operating expense excluding special items $6,730 ====== Combined -------- Three Months Ended Dec. 31, (in millions) 2008 --------- Non-operating expense $341 Northwest results for the period Oct. 1 to Oct. 29, 2008 43 Item excluded: Write-down in value of auction rate securities (20) --- Non-operating expense excluding special items $364 ==== Three Months Ended (in millions) Dec. 31, 2009 ------------- Payment on long-term debt and capital lease obligations $(835) Adjustments: Aircraft purchases under seller financing (293) Paydown on credit facility 500 --- Total debt and capital lease payments $(628) ===== Three Months Ended (in millions) Dec. 31, 2009 ------------- Property and equipment additions (GAAP) $(470) Adjustments: Proceeds from sales of investments 11 Proceeds from sales of flight equipment 14 Aircraft purchases under seller financing 268 --- Total capital expenditures $(177) ===== Three Months Ended (in millions) Dec. 31, 2009 ------------- Property and equipment additions, flight equipment (GAAP) $(404) Adjustment: Aircraft purchases under seller financing 268 --- Total investments in aircraft, parts and modifications $(136) ===== Delta Northwest Combined -------- ------------ --------- Three Months Three Months Ended Oct. 1, 2008 Ended Passenger (in millions, Dec. 31, to Dec. 31, Mile except unit 2008 Oct. 29, 2008 2008 Yield PRASM data) --------- ------------- --------- ---------- ----- Passenger and operating revenue Domestic $2,639 $420 $3,059 13.53 11.31 (cents) (cents) Atlantic 1,129 134 1,263 12.02 9.26 Latin America 308 2 310 13.67 10.10 Pacific 452 185 637 11.71 9.90 --- --- --- Total mainline 4,528 741 5,269 12.91 10.50 Regional carriers 1,207 181 1,388 22.99 17.56 ----- --- ----- Total passenger revenue 5,735 922 6,657 14.21 11.46 Cargo 230 55 285 Other, net 748 78 826 --- --- --- Total operating revenue $6,713 $1,055 $7,768 ====== ====== ====== Delta Northwest Combined ------- ------------- -------- Year Ended Jan. 1, 2008 Year Ended Passenger (in millions, Dec. 31, to Dec. 31, Mile except unit data) 2008 Oct. 29, 2008 2008 Yield PRASM ------- ------------- ------- -------- ----- Passenger Revenue $19,583 $10,125 $29,708 14.65 12.07 ======= ======= ======= (cents) (cents) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, -------------------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- GAAP Combined ---- -------- (in millions, except per cent data) CASM (cents) 12.85 16.27 Ancillary businesses (0.33) (0.38) ----- ----- CASM excluding items not related to generation of a seat mile (cents) 12.52 15.89 Items excluded: Restructuring and merger-related items (0.23) (2.13) MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods - (0.52) --- ----- CASM excluding special items (cents) 12.29 13.24 Fuel expense and related taxes (3.61) (5.13) ----- ----- CASM excluding fuel expense and related taxes and special items (cents) 8.68 8.11 ==== ==== ASMs 53,324 58,098 ====== ====== Three Months Ended Dec. 31, -----