Date:16/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/16/stories/2005091600640500.htm

Back `Delta will continue regular operations'

Our Bureau

Mumbai , Sept. 15

DELTA Air Lines, the US-based carrier that operates two daily flights from New York to Mumbai and Chennai, has announced that the company and its subsidiaries have filed for a Chapter 11 reorganisation in accordance with US law on Wednesday.

Delta took this action as part of its efforts to address its financial challenges and become a more efficient and cost-effective airline, the airline said in a statement here.

Delta will continue normal business operations throughout the reorganisation process. It will operate its full schedule of flights, honour tickets and reservations, and make normal refunds and exchanges. Mr Rodney D'Cruz, Manager- Sales, India, said the filing would not have any impact on its operations. The airline will continue to operate flights from New York to Mumbai and Chennai as usual.

Chapter 11 reorganisation, Mr D'Cruz said, provided for restructuring of the company under a US bankruptcy court. This would be good for the future health of the company, he added. The airline's SkyMiles programme will not be affected by the reorganisation. Customers could continue to earn and redeem miles on flights offered by SkyTeam and Delta's network of global airline alliances.