Delta Air Lines
DAL
#565
Rank
$43.02 B
Marketcap
$65.89
Share price
-0.98%
Change (1 day)
-3.05%
Change (1 year)

Delta Air Lines - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 1998

or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Commission File Number 1-5424



DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

State of Incorporation: Delaware

IRS Employer Identification No.: 58-0218548

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia 30320

Telephone: (404) 715-2600



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / /


Number of shares outstanding by each class of common stock,
as of November 2, 1998:


Common Stock, $1.50 par value - 142,790,850 shares outstanding
Part 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements


DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

September 30 June 30
ASSETS 1998 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 534 $ 1,077
Short-term investments 603 557
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts
of $38 at September 30, 1998 and $36 at June 30, 1998 969 938
Deferred income taxes 475 464
Prepaid expenses and other 276 326
------- -------
Total current assets 2,857 3,362
------- -------


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Flight equipment 11,542 11,180
Less: Accumulated depreciation 3,990 3,895
------- -------
7,552 7,285
------- -------

Flight equipment under capital leases 515 515
Less: Accumulated amortization 228 216
------- -------
287 299
------- -------

Ground property and equipment 3,387 3,285
Less: Accumulated depreciation 1,928 1,854
------- -------
1,459 1,431
------- -------

Advance payments for equipment 428 306
------- -------

Total property and equipment 9,726 9,321
------- -------

OTHER ASSETS:
Marketable equity securities 360 424
Investments in associated companies 331 326
Cost in excess of net assets acquired, net 277 265
Leasehold and operating rights, net 121 124
Other 767 781
------- -------
Total other assets 1,856 1,920
------- -------
Total assets $14,439 $14,603
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.

2
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

September 30 June 30
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY 1998 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Current maturities of long-term debt $ 62 $ 67
Current obligations under capital leases 76 63
Accounts payable and miscellaneous accrued liabilities 2,094 2,025
Air traffic liability 1,611 1,667
Accrued salaries and vacation pay 424 553
Accrued rent 198 202
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 4,465 4,577
-------- --------

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt 1,524 1,533
Postretirement benefits 1,884 1,873
Accrued rent 652 651
Capital leases 217 249
Deferred income taxes 339 262
Other 524 511
-------- --------
Total noncurrent liabilities 5,140 5,079
-------- --------

DEFERRED CREDITS:
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transactions 680 694
Manufacturers' and other credits 55 55
-------- --------
Total deferred credits 735 749
-------- --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 3 and 4)

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
PREFERRED STOCK:
Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (issued and outstanding 6,596,638
shares at September 30, 1998 and 6,603,429 shares at
June 30, 1998) 475 475
Unearned compensation under employee stock ownership plan (284) (300)
-------- --------
191 175
-------- --------
SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock at par (total shares issued: 177,512,754 shares at
September 30, 1998 and 176,566,178 shares at June 30, 1998) 266 265
Additional paid-in capital 3,077 3,034
Accumulated other comprehensive income 51 89
Retained earnings 2,007 1,687
Treasury stock at cost (33,988,300 shares at September 30, 1998
and 26,115,784 shares at June 30, 1998) (1,493) (1,052)
-------- --------
Total shareowners' equity 3,908 4,023
-------- --------

Total liabilities and shareowners' equity $ 14,439 $ 14,603
-------- --------
-------- --------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.

3
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In Millions, except Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended
September 30
---------------------------------
1998 1997
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger $ 3,487 $ 3,260
Cargo 139 143
Other, net 176 150
------------- -------------
Total operating revenues 3,802 3,553
------------- -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries and related costs 1,237 1,204
Aircraft fuel 339 409
Passenger commissions 252 266
Depreciation and amortization 218 198
Other selling expenses 196 164
Contracted services 183 172
Landing fees and other rents 179 169
Aircraft rent 145 137
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 143 124
Passenger service 133 111
Other 225 168
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 3,250 3,122
------------- -------------
OPERATING INCOME 552 431
------------- -------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense (49) (50)
Interest capitalized 10 9
Interest income 22 17
Miscellaneous income, net 3 11
------------- -------------
(14) (13)
------------- -------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 538 418

INCOME TAXES PROVIDED (211) (164)
------------- -------------
NET INCOME 327 254

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS (3) (3)
------------- -------------
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON
SHAREOWNERS $ 324 $ 251
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.19 $ 1.71
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.08 $ 1.63
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED IN
PER SHARE COMPUTATION:
Basic 147,929,524 147,434,074
Diluted 156,711,974 154,597,218

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.025 $ 0.025
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


4
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Statistical Summary
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended
September 30
-----------------------
Statistical Summary: 1998 1997
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue Passengers Enplaned (thousands) 27,602 26,506
Revenue Passenger Miles (millions) 28,113 26,585
Available Seat Miles (millions) 36,673 35,683
Operating Margin 14.5% 12.1%
Passenger Mile Yield 12.40 cents 12.26 cents
Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile 10.37 cents 9.96 cents
Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile 8.86 cents 8.75 cents
Passenger Load Factor 76.66% 74.50%
Breakeven Passenger Load Factor 64.52% 64.66%
Revenue Ton Miles (millions) 3,229 3,073
Cargo Ton Miles (millions) 418 415
Cargo Ton Mile Yield 33.27 cents 34.29 cents
Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions) 703 682
Average Price Per Fuel Gallon 48.21 cents 59.91
Number of Aircraft in Fleet at End of Period 578 558
Average Full-Time Equivalent Employees 71,000 65,800

</TABLE>





5
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
September 30
------------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Income $ 327 $ 254
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities, net 314 293
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net (104) 431
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 537 978
----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Property and equipment additions:
Flight equipment, including advance payments (514) (405)
Ground property and equipment (90) (62)
(Increase) Decrease in short-term investments, net (46) 9
Other, net 1 -
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (649) (458)
----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Issuance of common stock 32 3
Repurchase of common stock (441) -
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations (31) (30)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options 13 -
Cash dividends (4) (4)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities (431) (31)
----------- -----------

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (543) 489
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,077 662
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 534 $ 1,151
----------- -----------
----------- -----------

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:

Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 56 $ 56
Income taxes $ 55 $ 19

</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
statements.



6
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 1998
(Unaudited)


1. ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES:

The Company's accounting and reporting policies are summarized in Note 1
(page 39) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998
Annual Report to Shareowners. These interim financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the
notes thereto included in the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of
normal recurring items necessary for a fair statement of results for the
interim periods presented. Certain prior year amounts have been
reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement
presentation.

As a result of a review of its aircraft fleet plan and comparable industry
practices, the Company increased the depreciable life of certain new
generation aircraft types from 20 to 25 years. The change in estimate was
effective July 1, 1998, and resulted in lower depreciation expense of
approximately $26 million ($0.18 basic and $0.17 diluted earnings per
common share, as restated to reflect the Company's two-for-one Common
Stock split) for the September 1998 quarter.

2. LONG-TERM DEBT:

Under its 1997 Bank Credit Agreement with a group of banks, the Company may
borrow up to $1.25 billion on an unsecured and revolving basis until May 1,
2002, subject to compliance with certain conditions. Up to $700 million of
this facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit. The
interest rate under this facility is, at the Company's option, the London
Interbank Offered Rate or the prime rate, in each case plus a margin which
is subject to adjustment based on certain changes in the credit ratings of
the Company's long-term senior unsecured debt. The Company also has the
option to obtain loans through a competitive bid procedure. The 1997 Bank
Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that restrict the Company's
ability to grant liens, to incur or guarantee debt and to enter into flight
equipment leases. It also provides that if there is a change of control (as
defined) of the Company, the banks' obligation to extend credit terminates,
any amounts outstanding become immediately due and payable and the Company
will immediately deposit cash collateral with the banks in an amount equal
to all outstanding letters of credit. At September 30, 1998, no borrowings
or letters of credit were outstanding under the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement.

The Company's credit agreement with ABN AMRO Bank, N.V. and a group of
banks (Letter of Credit Facility) provides for the issuance of letters of
credit for up to $500 million in stated amount to credit enhance the Delta
Family-Care Savings Plan's Series C Guaranteed Serial ESOP Notes (Series C
ESOP Notes), which are guaranteed by Delta. At September 30, 1998, the face
amount of the letter of credit issued under the Letter of Credit Facility
was $445 million, which covers the $290 million outstanding principal
amount of the Series C


7
ESOP Notes, up to $123 million of Make Whole Premium Amount and
approximately one year of interest on the Series C ESOP Notes. For
additional information regarding the Letter of Credit Facility and Delta's
long-term debt, including the Series C ESOP Notes, see Note 6 (page 43) of
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual
Report to Shareowners.

3. AIRCRAFT PURCHASE COMMITMENTS:

At September 30, 1998, the Company's aircraft fleet, purchase commitments,
options (which have scheduled delivery slots), and rolling options (which
replace options and are assigned delivery slots as options expire or are
exercised) were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Current Fleet
-----------------------
Rolling
Aircraft Type Owned Leased Total Orders Options Options
- ------------------- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
B-727-200 121 10 131 0 0 0
B-737-200 1 53 54 0 0 0
B-737-300 0 26 26 0 0 0
B-737-600/700/800 0 0 0 88 60 274
B-757-200 55 41 96 13 20 83
B-767-200 15 0 15 0 0 0
B-767-300 2 24 26 2 0 0
B-767-300ER 33 8 41 11 11 18
B-767-400ER 0 0 0 21 24 25
B-777-200 0 0 0 14 20 30
L-1011-1 17 0 17 0 0 0
L-1011-250 6 0 6 0 0 0
L-1011-500 15 0 15 0 0 0
MD-11 8 7 15 0 0 0
MD-88 63 57 120 0 0 0
MD-90 16 0 16 0 0 0
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Total 352 226 578 149 135 430
--- --- --- --- --- ---
--- --- --- --- --- ---
</TABLE>

During the September 1998 quarter, Delta accepted delivery of one new
B-757-200 aircraft and two new B-767-300ER aircraft, acquired under
operating leases seven B-737-300 aircraft, and retired one L-1011-1
aircraft.

Subsequent to September 30, 1998, Delta accepted delivery of one new
B-757-200 aircraft, one new B-767-300 aircraft, and three new B-737-800
aircraft.






8
Future expenditures for aircraft, engines and engine hushkits on firm
order at September 30, 1998 are estimated to be $6.8 billion, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Amount
Years Ending June 30 (In Millions)
-------------------- ---------------

<S> <C>
Remainder of fiscal year 1999 1,300
2000 1,770
2001 1,570
2002 300
2003 370
After 2003 1,460
---------------
Total $ 6,770
---------------
---------------
</TABLE>

4. CONTINGENCIES:

Delta is a defendant in certain legal actions relating to alleged
employment discrimination practices, antitrust matters, environmental
issues and other matters concerning Delta's business. Although the ultimate
outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management
believes that the resolution of these actions is not likely to have a
material adverse effect on Delta's consolidated financial statements.

5. SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY:

On October 22, 1998, Delta's shareowners approved an amendment to the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized Common
Stock of the Company from 150 million shares, par value $3.00 per share, to
450 million shares, par value $1.50 per share, and to effect a two-for-one
split of the issued Common Stock. This amendment became effective on
November 2, 1998. All references in this Form 10-Q to the number of shares
of Common Stock (including references to the number of common shares
relating to the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans and
its Common Stock repurchase programs), the Company's earnings per share
and per share Common Stock prices have been restated to reflect this
Common Stock split.

During the September 1998 quarter, the Company issued a total of 946,576
common shares, at an average price of $36.50 per share, under its
broad-based employee stock option plans, 1989 Stock Incentive Plan,
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, and Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Plan. In addition, the Company distributed a total of 5,106 shares of
Common Stock from treasury under its 1989 Stock Incentive Plan.

The Company has two common stock repurchase programs. The Company's Board
of Directors (Board) authorized the Company to repurchase its common stock
and common stock equivalents (1) for an aggregate purchase price of up to
$750 million from time to time through December 31, 1999 (July 1998
Authorization); and (2) in connection with the Company's broad-based
employee stock option plans (April 1996 Authorization). During the
September 1998 quarter, the Company repurchased (1) 7,268,756 common
shares, at an average price of $55.21 per share, under the July 1998
Authorization; and (2) 608,866 common shares, at an average price of $66.30
per share, under the April 1996 Authorization.

9
At September 30, 1998, 40,453,030 common shares were reserved for issuance
under the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans; 15,001,790
common shares were reserved for issuance under the 1989 Stock Incentive
Plan; 11,312,990 common shares were reserved for conversion of the Series B
ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock; and 496,090 common shares were reserved
for issuance under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan.

6. INCOME TAXES:

Income taxes are provided at the estimated annual effective tax rate, which
differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state
income taxes and the effect of certain expenses that are not deductible for
income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net effect of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for
income tax purposes.

7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

As of July 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which
establishes standards for the reporting and presentation of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial
statements. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 had no net effect on the Company's
net income or shareowners' equity for the quarters ended September 30, 1998
and 1997. The reconciliation of net income to comprehensive net income is
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended September 30
-------------------------------
1998 1997
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Net income, as reported $ 327 $ 254
Other comprehensive income (38) (17)
----- -----
Total comprehensive income $ 289 $ 237
----- -----
----- -----

</TABLE>




10
8.   EARNINGS PER SHARE:

During the December 1997 quarter, Delta adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per
Share," which established new standards for computing and presenting income
per share data. Earnings per share data for the quarter ended September 30,
1997 have been restated in accordance with SFAS No. 128. Application of
SFAS No. 128 did not have a material effect on previously reported income
per share amounts for the three months ended September 30, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended
September 30
------------------------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(In Millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
Basic:
Net income $ 327 $ 254
Preferred stock dividends (3) (3)
------- -------
Income available to common
shareowners $ 324 $ 251

Weighted average shares outstanding 147.9 147.4

Basic income per common share $ 2.19 $ 1.71
------- -------
------- -------

Diluted:
Net income $ 327 $ 254
Adjustment to net income
assuming conversion of Series B ESOP
Convertible Preferred Stock (1) (1)
------- -------
Income available to
common shareowners $ 326 $ 253

Weighted average shares outstanding 147.9 147.4

Conversion of Series B ESOP
Convertible Preferred Stock 4.8 4.3
Exercise of stock options 4.0 2.9
------- -------

Average shares outstanding as adjusted 156.7 154.6
Diluted income per common share $ 2.08 $ 1.63
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>


11
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.14 billion at
September 30, 1998, compared to $1.63 billion at June 30, 1998, a decline of
30% largely due to the Company's Common Stock repurchases during the
September 1998 quarter. During the three months ended September 30, 1998, the
principal sources of funds were $537 million of cash from operations and $45
million (including an income tax benefit of $13 million related to the
exercise of stock options) from the issuance of 946,576 common shares (as
restated to reflect the Company's two-for-one Common Stock split) primarily
under the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans. The decrease in
cash from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 compared to the
quarter ended September 30, 1997 was primarily attributable to $310 million
received during the September 1997 quarter from Delta's frequent flyer
partners for the prepayment of mileage credits. During the three months ended
September 30, 1998, the Company invested $514 million in flight equipment and
$90 million in ground property and equipment; paid $441 million to repurchase
7,877,622 common shares (as restated for the Common Stock split); made
payments of $31 million on long-term debt and capital lease obligations; and
paid $4 million in cash dividends. The Company may repurchase additional
long-term debt and Common Stock from time to time. For information regarding
Delta's Common Stock repurchase authorizations, see Note 5 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and Note 14 (page 51) of
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report
to Shareowners.

As of September 30, 1998, the Company had negative working capital of $1.61
billion, compared to negative working capital of $1.22 billion at June 30, 1998.
A negative working capital position is normal for Delta and does not indicate a
lack of liquidity. The Company expects to meet its current obligations as they
become due through available cash, short-term investments and internally
generated funds, supplemented as necessary by debt financing and proceeds from
sale and leaseback transactions.

At September 30, 1998, the Company had $1.25 billion of credit available on a
revolving basis under its 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 2 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q for additional information
regarding the 1997 Bank Credit Agreement.

At September 30, 1998, long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including
current maturities, totaled $1.88 billion, compared to $1.91 billion at June 30,
1998. Shareowners' equity was $3.91 billion at September 30, 1998 and $4.02
billion at June 30, 1998. The Company's debt-to-equity position, including
current maturities, was 32% debt and 68% equity at September 30, 1998 and June
30, 1998.

At September 30, 1998, there was outstanding $290 million principal amount of
the Delta Family-Care Savings Plan's Series C Guaranteed Serial ESOP Notes
(Series C ESOP Notes), which are guaranteed by Delta. Delta is required to
purchase the Series C ESOP Notes in certain circumstances. See Note 6 (page 43)
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report
to Shareowners.


12
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997
- ----------------------------------------------

For the quarter ended September 30, 1998, Delta recorded unaudited operating
income of $552 million and quarterly net income of $327 million. For the quarter
ended September 30, 1997, Delta recorded operating income of $431 million and
net income of $254 million. The Company's operating margin (operating income
divided by operating revenue) for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 was
14.5%, compared to 12.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.

Operating revenues in the September 1998 quarter totaled $3.80 billion, an
increase of 7% from $3.55 billion in the September 1997 quarter. Passenger
revenue increased 7% to $3.49 billion, the result of a 6% increase in revenue
passenger miles and a 1% increase in passenger mile yield. The increase in
revenue passenger miles is mainly due to a 3% increase in capacity, favorable
economic conditions and improved asset utilization. The increase in passenger
mile yield is largely due to a domestic fare increase implemented during
September 1997.

Domestic passenger revenue increased 7% to $2.76 billion, reflecting a 4%
increase in domestic revenue passenger miles on a 1% decrease in domestic
capacity and a 3% increase in domestic passenger mile yield. The increase in
domestic revenue passenger miles is primarily due to increased traffic
(including the effects of the Northwest labor strike), improved asset
utilization, and favorable economic conditions. The increase in passenger
mile yield is largely due to a domestic fare increase implemented during
September 1997.

International passenger revenue increased 6%, to $725 million, reflecting a
12% increase in international revenue passenger miles, partially offset by a
5% decline in international passenger mile yield. The increase in
international revenue passenger miles is primarily due to the Company's
addition of new routes, increased capacity in the Atlantic market, and
continued expansion into the Latin American market. The decrease in
international passenger mile yield is primarily due to industry capacity
growth and increased sale activity in the Atlantic and Latin American markets.

Cargo revenue decreased 3% to $139 million. Cargo ton miles increased 1%, while
the cargo ton mile yield declined 3%. The decrease in cargo ton mile yield is
largely due to continued shifting of certain U.S. Postal Service business from
passenger carriers to dedicated air-freight carriers and ground transportation
providers. All other revenue, net, increased 17% to $176 million, largely due to
improved results from frequent flyer partnership programs, code share
arrangements and increased administrative service charges.

Operating expenses for the September 1998 quarter totaled $3.25 billion, an
increase of 4% from the September 1997 quarter, and operating capacity increased
3% to 36.67 billion available seat miles. Salaries and related costs increased
3%, primarily the result of an 8% increase in full-time equivalent employees.
This increase in employees is primarily in the areas of in-flight service,
airport customer service and technical operations. Aircraft fuel expense
decreased 17% as the average fuel price per gallon decreased 20% to 48.21 cents,
partially offset by a 3% increase in


13
fuel gallons consumed. Passenger commissions decreased 5% as reduced costs
related to a new travel agent commission rate structure implemented in
September 1997 were partially offset by higher commissions associated with
increased passenger revenue. Depreciation and amortization expense rose 10%
mainly due to the acquisition of 18 additional aircraft since the September
1997 quarter and increased amortization of software development, partially
offset by the increase in the depreciable life of certain aircraft types.
(See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.)
Other selling expenses increased 20%, primarily the result of increased
advertising and promotion expense and higher credit card transaction fees.
Contracted services expense increased 6% largely due to higher information
technology costs, as well as increased building and equipment maintenance
costs. Landing fees and other rents increased 6% due to higher facility rents
at certain locations and new operating leases. Aircraft rent increased 6% due
to new operating leases entered into since the September 1997 quarter.
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs increased 15% largely due
to the timing of scheduled maintenance visits and other costs resulting from
the maturation of the fleet. Passenger service expense increased 20% due to
increased passenger traffic, domestic product upgrades, and certain
transatlantic business class product upgrades. Other operating expenses
increased 34% primarily due to higher professional fees, including Year 2000
consulting fees, and increased expenses associated with enhanced customer
loyalty programs, as well as higher supplies, communications, and utilities
costs.

Nonoperating expense in the September 1998 quarter totaled $14 million, compared
to nonoperating expense of $13 million in the September 1997 quarter.

Pretax income of $538 million for the September 1998 quarter resulted in an
income tax provision of $211 million. After a $3 million provision for preferred
stock dividends, net income available to common shareowners was $324 million.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
- -------------------------------------------------------------------


For information regarding the Company's exposure to certain market risks, see
"Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments" (page 33), as well as Notes
2 and 4 (page 40 and 41, respectively) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements, in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.


14
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To Delta Air Lines, Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of DELTA AIR LINES,
INC. (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of September 30, 1998 and the
related consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated
statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended September 30, 1998
and 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the financial statements referred to above for them to be in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




Arthur Andersen LLP
- -------------------


Atlanta, Georgia
November 3, 1998


15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 2. Changes in Securities
- -----------------------------

For information regarding the Company's two-for-one Common Stock split, which
became effective at 5 p.m., eastern standard time, on November 2, 1998 (Stock
Split), see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this
Form 10-Q.

As a result of the Stock Split, the number of preferred stock purchase rights
(Rights) which accompany each outstanding share of Common Stock was adjusted
from one Right per common share to one-half Right per common share. The Rights
become exercisable only in certain circumstances. See Note 12 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners
for additional information regarding the Rights.

Also as a result of the Stock Split, each outstanding share of the Company's
Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock was adjusted by changing (1) the
conversion price from $83.94 to $41.97; (2) the conversion rate from 0.8578 to
1.7155; and (3) the voting rights from one vote to two votes.

Under the Delta Air Lines, Inc. Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan),
members of the Company's Board of Directors may defer for a specified period all
or any part of their cash compensation earned as a director. A participating
director may choose an investment return on the deferred amount from among
certain of the investment return choices available under the Delta Family-Care
Savings Plan, a qualified defined contribution pension plan for eligible Delta
personnel. One of the investment return choices under the Delta Family-Care
Savings Plan is a fund invested primarily in Delta's Common Stock (Delta Common
Stock Fund). During the quarter ended September 30, 1998, a participant in the
Plan deferred $17,125 in the Delta Common Stock Fund investment return choice
(equivalent to approximately 294 shares of Delta Common Stock, as restated for
the Stock Split, at prevailing market prices). These transactions were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on Section
4(2) of such Act.


16
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------

At Delta's Annual Meeting of Shareowners held on October 22, 1998, the
shareowners took the following actions, with the holders of Delta's Common Stock
and Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock voting together as a single class
on all such actions, and the holders of Delta's Common Stock also voting as a
separate class with respect to the amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation described below:

1. Elected the persons named below to Delta's Board of Directors by the
following vote:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FOR WITHHELD
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Edwin L. Artzt 70,786,706 1,034,712
Henry A. Biedenharn, III 70,809,153 1,012,265
James L. Broadhead 70,745,238 1,076,180
Edward H. Budd 70,804,446 1,016,972
R. Eugene Cartledge 70,806,780 1,014,638
Mary Johnson Evans 70,774,652 1,046,766
Gerald Grinstein 70,804,776 1,016,642
Leo F. Mullin 70,824,548 996,870
Andrew J. Young 70,616,665 1,204,753

</TABLE>

There were no broker non-votes on this matter.

2. Ratified the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors of
Delta for fiscal year 1999 by a vote of 71,311,751 FOR; 352,429 AGAINST;
and 157,238 ABSTENTIONS. There were no broker non-votes on this matter.

3. Approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the authorized Common Stock of the Company from 150 million
shares, par value $3.00 per share, to 450 million shares, par value $1.50
per share, and to effect a two-for-one split of the issued Common Stock of
the Company. The holders of Delta's Common Stock and Series B ESOP
Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, approved
this amendment by a vote of 69,293,571 FOR; 2,452,984 AGAINST; and 74,863
ABSTENTIONS.

The holders of Delta's Common Stock, voting as a separate class, approved
this amendment by a vote of 62,934,275 FOR; 2,252,311 AGAINST; and 38,194
ABSTENTIONS.

There were no broker non-votes on this matter.

4. Defeated a shareowner proposal relating to cumulative voting for directors,
by a vote of 18,772,892 FOR; 44,773,551 AGAINST; and 484,086 ABSTENTIONS.
There were 7,790,889 broker non-votes on this matter.

5. Defeated a shareowner proposal relating to the CERES Principles for Public
Environmental Accountability, by a vote of 3,075,549 FOR; 56,166,759
AGAINST; and 4,788,222 ABSTENTIONS. There were 7,790,889 broker non-votes
on this matter.


17
Item 5. Other Information
- -------------------------

Year 2000
- ---------

Through September 30, 1998, Delta has recognized $53 million as expense ($13
million of which was incurred in the September 1998 quarter) in the Company's
Statements of Operations to achieve Year 2000 readiness for its internal systems
and equipment. See pages 28-30 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareowners for additional information regarding Delta's Year 2000 program.

Euro Currency Issue
- -------------------

For information regarding Delta's euro currency issue, see pages 30-31 of the
Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.

Broad-Based Stock Option Plans
- ------------------------------

On October 24, 1996, the Company's shareowners approved two plans providing for
the issuance of non-qualified stock options to substantially all of Delta's
non-officer personnel to purchase a total of 49.4 million shares (as restated
for the Stock Split) of Common Stock. One plan is for eligible Delta personnel
who are not pilots (Nonpilot Plan); the other plan covers the Company's eligible
pilots (Pilot Plan).

The Nonpilot and Pilot Plans involve non-qualified stock options to purchase
29.4 million and 20 million shares of Common Stock (as restated for the Stock
Split), respectively. The plans provide for grants in three annual installments
at an exercise price equal to the opening price of the Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the grant date. Stock options awarded under these plans
are generally exercisable beginning one year and ending ten years after their
grant dates, and are not transferable other than upon the death of the person
granted the stock options. On October 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, Delta granted
eligible personnel non-qualified stock options to purchase 16.4 million, 16.6
million and 16.4 million shares of Common Stock (as restated for the Stock
Split), respectively, at exercise prices of $ 50.59 per share, $49 per share and
$34.50 per share (as restated for the Stock Split), respectively.


18
Personnel Matters
- -----------------

On October 16, 1998, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
announced that the Company's pilots had approved an agreement reached on June
23, 1998 between the Company and ALPA regarding pilot rates of pay, rules and
working conditions applicable to the Company's B-737-600/700/800 aircraft and
certain B-737-300 aircraft. The Company expects to begin discussions with ALPA
in January 1999 regarding the rates of pay, rules and working conditions
applicable to the Company's B-777-200 aircraft. The Company is scheduled to
receive the delivery of its first B-777-200 aircraft in March 1999, and to place
that aircraft into service shortly after delivery. For additional information
regarding this subject, see "Personnel Matters" on pages 31-32 of Delta's 1998
Annual Report to Shareowners.


19
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ----------------------------------------

(a) Exhibits

3.1. Delta's Certificate of Incorporation.

3.2. Delta's By-Laws (Filed as part of Exhibit 3.1 to this Form 10-Q).

10. Employment Agreement dated as of September 17, 1998 between Delta Air
Lines, Inc. and Robert L. Colman.

12. Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

15. Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP regarding unaudited interim financial
information.

27. Financial Data Schedule (For SEC use only).

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

During the quarter ended September 30, 1998, Delta did not file any Current
Reports on Form 8-K.

On October 20, 1998, Delta filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October
19, 1998 regarding (1) the Company's unaudited financial results for the
September 1998 quarter; (2) its Common Stock repurchases during the
September 1998 quarter; and (3) the approval by the Company's pilots of an
agreement regarding pilot pay rates, rules and working conditions
applicable to the Company's B-737-600/700/800 aircraft and certain
B-737-300 aircraft.



20
SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




Delta Air Lines, Inc.
---------------------
(Registrant)




By: /s/ Warren C. Jenson
--------------------------
Warren C. Jenson
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


November 13, 1998



21