Delta Expects Loss Deeper Than Forecasts

Delta Air Lines Inc. said it may lose as much as $1.30 a share this quarter, more than twice what analysts forecast, because of a decline in high-fare business traffic and a 12-week pilots strike at its Comair commuter unit.

The airline said it expects to lose $140 million to $160 million for the quarter, contrasted with profit of $2.85 a share a year ago. Atlanta-based Delta had been expected to lose 58 cents a share, based on the average estimate of analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial.

Delta shares rose 19 cents to close at $42.95 on the NYSE.