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For all of 2009, Delta lost $1.2 billion, or $1.50 a share, compared to a loss of $8.9 billion, or $19.08 a share, for all of 2008. Twelve-month revenue totaled $28.1 billion, compared to $22.7 billion for 2008.

The major airlines have added special charges to make up for some revenue lost to weak demand. Delta recently raised its fees to check a first bag on a domestic flight by $8 and by $7 for a second bag. That first bag now costs a passenger $23 and the second one $32. There is an additional charge for not checking the bags online in advance of reaching the airport.

Elite frequent fliers, first class fliers and certain other customers, including active military personnel on deployment, are exempt from the fees.

Delta, meanwhile, will invest $1 billion over the next three-and-a-half years to improve customer service, remodel existing aircraft and improve fuel efficiency instead of buying new planes like some of its competitors.

Delta is waiting to hear whether Japan Airlines will dump its alliance with American Airlines and join Delta's SkyTeam alliance. Delta and its SkyTeam partners would give JAL $1 billion to leave oneworld for SkyTeam. American and its partners have offered $1.4 billion for Japan Airlines to stay. Delta is banking on its global network as a greater lure than the money. There's been no recent word from Japan about when a decision will be made. Japan Airlines recently filed for bankruptcy protection and is planning a major restructuring.

Delta ended 2009 with $5.4 billion in unrestricted liquidity, a $400 million increase year-over-year. Delta expects the total to increase to $5.6 billion by the end of the first quarter of this year.

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On the Net:

Delta Air Lines Inc.: http://www.delta.com