Thousands of Delta staff to lose jobs

Delta, the third-largest carrier in the US, had warned earlier this month that it did not see a short-term recovery for the industry as it limped on from the effects of September 11.

The group has already said it will shed 1,500 flight attendant jobs.

It said it hoped volunteers would account for most of the latest redundancies.

Far from flying

Delta Air posted a loss of $330m (£213m) for the three months from July to September and said it would defer the delivery of new aircraft from 2003 to 2004.

Chief executive Leo Mullin said stiff competition and poor demand had forced the company to cut ticket prices.

"Until demand returns and business conditions otherwise improve, Delta's survival and our potential for future success requires that we maintain tight control of all facets of the business, " Mr Mullin said.

Delta is not alone in suffering a sharp fall in business since last September.

US Airways has already filed for bankruptcy, and United Airlines has warned it may have to follow suit unless it makes major cost cuts.