Delta reveals €851m loss

Delta Airlines has revealed a €851m fourth-quarter loss.

The net loss, which includes exceptionals, compares with a €19.6m profit in the year-earlier period.

Sales fell 29% to €3.27bn

Delta has said demand in its largely East Coast network was hit especially hard because the September attacks were in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

The company was granted €203m from the US Government under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act in the fourth quarter to cover its losses from the September 11 attacks.

Chairman Leo Mullin said: "These results clearly reflect a year of challenges unlike any we've seen in the history of aviation.

"Throughout these difficult times, Delta's team responded quickly, aggressively and strategically."