Delta Air Lines has reported a first quarter loss of $130m compared with a loss of $2.1bn in the same period last year, just a week away from its scheduled exit from chapter 11 bankruptcy

protection status.
The carrier, which aims to list new share s in May, says that the results in both periods were impacted by restructuring expenses. Excluding costs related to the carrier's reorganization and other special items, Delta said it lost $6m, compared with a loss of $356m in the first quarter of 2006.
Operating revenue rose 11.4% to $4.14bn, boosted by higher fares and increased capacity.
Delta expects to emerge from bankruptcy with a $10bn market value and is predicting an operating profit margin of 11% to 13% in the second quarter after 3.7% in the first.
Since filing for bankruptcy in September 2005, Delta has lowered labour costs, cut debt and expanded its international network and today approximately 30% of its fleet is devoted to international routes and the carrier expects to increase that to 40% as it adds services to Tel Aviv, Dubai and the Pacific region.
Delta also plans to acquire landing and departure slots at London's Heathrow Airport and start serving the airport by next spring. Delta said three to six slots, which currently go for about $20m each, would be optimal.