Delta Air Lines announced it will follow Northwest Airlines' lead and discontinue absorbing certain passenger facility charges, increasing one-way ticket prices $3-$4.50 on applicable connecting domestic itineraries.

Delta traditionally took on the PFC burden on connecting flights in order to stay competitive with nonstop services or routes through less expensive hubs. "The changes we are announcing today allow us to more accurately display the full costs of government fees imposed on certain connecting itineraries while at the same time allowing us to collect the appropriate revenues to cover a portion of these costs," VP-Revenue Management Gail Grimmett said. NWA opted to pass along its PFC costs to passengers last fall (ATWOnline, Nov. 22, 2005).

Separately, Delta reported a net loss of $209 million for February that included $71 million in reorganization items reflecting estimated bankruptcy claims on aircraft leases and legal fees. The loss represented a 21.7% narrowing from a February 2005 deficit of $267 million. Operating shortfall declined 61.2% to $71 million from $183 million in the year-ago month. "Six months into our reorganization, we are seeing tangible results from the various initiatives implemented under our business plan," Executive VP and CFO Edward Bastian said.

Also, Delta said it will introduce twice-daily Salt Lake City-Durango service from July 1 operated by SkyWest Airlines aboard CRJ200s.