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Delta reports record second-quarter profits

Delta Air Lines has reported second-quarter profits of $1.55 billion but plans to cut seats on UK routes.

The American airline said income for the April to June period had increased by $42 million compared to the same period last year.

However, the company plans to reduce flights this winter between the U.S. and U.K. in light of Brexit and the drop in the pound.

The company said: “With the additional foreign currency pressure from the steep drop in the British pound and the economic uncertainty from Brexit, Delta has decided to reduce 6 points of U.S.-U.K. capacity from its winter schedule.”

Capacity will drop by one point in the December quarter.

American Airlines also announced this week a reduction in planned capacity growth for the year.

Delta’s operating revenue over the second quarter decreased by 2%, or $260 million.

Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer, said: “The Delta people again delivered another quarter of solid profitability, superior operational performance and great customer service, continuing to strengthen our brand and our foundation for the future.

“As we look to the remainder of the year, the large year-on-year savings driven by lower fuel are largely behind us and it is important to achieving our long-term financial targets that we get unit revenues back to a positive trajectory.”

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