Delta Air Lines expects improving revenue environment to continue in months ahead

Delta sees brighter revenue environment ahead

ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines expects the improving revenue environment to continue in the months ahead, though sales of premium seats remain pressured.

Chief Financial Officer Hank Halter told investors at a conference Wednesday that Delta’s revenue per available seat mile likely will show growth in the first half of 2010. He says the rate of decline has been slowing.

Analysts are watching airlines’ revenue projections carefully to see when the economic recovery will gain steam.

The world’s biggest airline has significantly reduced the amount of debt coming due next year and has minimal capital expenditures planned.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines Inc. is not planning a major overhaul of its fleet. On Tuesday, United Airlines said it is ordering 50 new airplanes.