Delta to reduce capacity in 2009

ATLANTA, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Delta Airlines said Tuesday it would reduce its operating capacity by 6 percent to 8 percent in 2009, compared with 2007, to adjust to the economic downturn.

The decision is "systemwide" Delta said in a memo to employees. The reductions apply to both Delta and Northwest operations.

The airline said domestic capacity would be shaved 8 percent to 10 percent, while international capacity would be reduced 3 percent to 5 percent.

The memo said Delta would offer "voluntary programs to adjust staffing needs," but did not specify job buyout plans or other arrangements.

Delta's merger with Northwest "has allowed us to develop growth opportunities as we connect the networks to create new revenue streams," the memo said. As such, the carrier plans to expand in the Pacific, Africa, India and the Middle East "to help mitigate the risk from specific regional economies."

In the meantime, however, "we will remain focused on, and continue to adapt to, the rapidly changing global economy," the memo said.