Delta Air Lines rises to six-year high

Delta Air Lines rose to a six- year high after the carrier posted third-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates as more people flew at higher fares and fuel prices declined.

The shares, already the top performer this year among major US carriers, climbed to $26.24, their highest intraday since April 2007. Earnings excluding some costs and gains were $1.2 billion, or $1.41 a share, the airline said in a statement yesterday.

Delta, the world’s second largest airline, has been working to control costs under a 2012 plan to cut $1 billion over two years, with steps such as retiring older aircraft.

"All things considered – a weak job environment, a weak economy – there is still pretty good demand for air travel," said Bob Mann, who is president of aviation consultant RW Mann. – (Bloomberg)