Delta to investors: capacity to be cut

Yesterday, Delta CEO Richard Anderson and President Edward H. Bastian sent a memo to its 70,000 employees announcing passenger capacity cuts. Distributed with the subject line, “Responding to a Worsening Economy,” the memo outlines Delta’s proposed changes that were planned for announcement at an investor conference later the same day.

According to the memo, “In just the few months since we last announced capacity reductions, revenues have weakened, particularly in international markets. Once again, we must move quickly to adjust our capacity and stay in front of demand changes.” So, Delta is getting to trim international passenger capacity by an additional 10 percent – starting in September 2009. Flights across the Atlantic will get hit by 11 percent to 13 percent, with those across the Pacific losing 12 percent to 14 percent beginning this winter.

These cuts come on top of a previous announcement to reduce system-wide passenger capacity by 6 percent to 8 percent by December 2009. Nonetheless, capacity may be up slightly by December, as Delta takes advantage of “targeted growth opportunities through new routes and increased frequencies.”

Gadling Take FIVE: Week of October 12- October 17

This week Gadling picked up another blogger Mike Barish who considers Lunchables unusual food.

When I browsed the week’s offerings, money popped out as one of the prevailing themes. With the stock markets doing a roller coaster act, forgetting that the ups give riders a reprieve, it’s no wonder.

  • Scott’s post on American Airlines possible plan to do àla carte pricing offers great suggestions for getting the most umph out of the dollars you fork over for flying.
  • In another managing your travel money venture, Grant outlined how a person can take a short cut to Gold status for Hilton Hotels. Gold status offers more perks and deals.
  • When it comes to traveling in Europe, Jeffery delved into how the current financial crisis might be making European jaunts a cheaper venture for Americans. Considering that I’m heading to Denmark in December, that’s happy news.
  • Aaron wondered just how rich he is and found out that he’s the 730 millionth richest person in the world. His post points out how you can find out your own financial standing in the world. Perhaps the news will give you the feeling that you can afford at least a mini vacation to the next town over.
  • And to round it off, although there is more, Jerry is on the quest for cheap travel in Iceland. He’s already scored a $400 RT ticket. Not bad, Jerry.

Also, for anyone who is looking for some Gadling glory, check out our series Catching the Travel Bug. We’re looking for your stories and will publish our reader submitted favorites.