Delta Reports Second Quarter Earnings of $467 Million

Delta Air Lines (DAL) reported second-quarter earnings of $467 million , or 55 cents a diluted share, including special items. The company posted a loss of $257 million in the second quarter of 2009

The earnings were driven by a 19% increase in passenger revenue, which rose to $7 billion, the company said in a statement. Cargo revenue advanced 22%.

"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 officer.

Delta recorded special items of $46 million in merger-related expenses and $36 million in asset impairment charges related to aircraft retirement.