Delta third-quarter cargo revenue remains stable

Delta third-quarter cargo revenue remains stable    Delta Airlines' cargo revenue was flat in the third quarter ended Sept. 30 at $113 million, up 0.9 percent from $112 million during the same period in 2002.
   During the first nine months of the year, cargo revenue increased 2.4 percent to $340 million, the Atlanta-based carrier reported.
   Delta said its figure for cargo ton miles (tons times miles flown) was down 5.5 percent to 342 million in the quarter, but that it's average price per revenue ton-mile increased 6.4 percent to 32.99 cents from 31.01 cents.
   Overall, Delta reported an operating loss of $81 million, down from $385 million, and a net loss including unusual items of $172 million compared to a $212 million loss in 2002. Total operating revenue was flat at $3.4 billion.
   Delta, which has struggled during the economic downturn of the past couple of years along with the rest of the aviation industry, said it plans to sell 11 737-800 aircraft on order from Boeing for delivery in 2005 to an unidentified third party. The transaction is expected to reduce Delta's capital expenditures by about $500 million through 2005. The third party has an option to buy up to 10 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery to Delta in 2006 and 2007. Delta also said it will defer by three years, until 2008, the delivery of eight B737-800 aircraft.