Delta heading toward record profits

Travelers on Delta Airlines
Travelers on Delta Airlines wait for flights in this 2012 file photo.
Charlie Riedel/AP

Delta Air Lines, which dominates air travel for the Twin Cities market, is heading toward record profits this year.

The Atlanta-based airline saw net income in the third quarter rise 31 percent to nearly $1.4 billion. That was up from about $1 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Sales in the third quarter rose 6 percent to $10.5 billion.

Strong performances in the Atlanta, New York and London markets gave the company a lift. Passengers also increased their purchases of extras such as roomier seats and in-flight Internet access.

The company's fortunes are rising, Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson said.

"Delta has significant opportunities ahead throughout our businesses and we must keep our heads down and work hard to continue advancing," Anderson said. "We will have a record year in 2013, and there's a sizable opportunity in front of us in 2014."

In 2008, Delta acquired Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines. Earlier this year, Delta reported that it has about 12,000 employees in Minnesota, including its regional airlines.

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