Delta Air Lines said the impact of superstorm Sandy cut its profit in November by $25 million, in addition to a $20 million hit to its October bottom line.
The reduction in profit for November came on a $30 million less in revenues for the month due to Sandy. Although the storm hit the Northeast in late October, Delta spokesman Trebor Banstetter said the effects of of rebooking customers bled into November.
Atlanta-based Delta also said that though it did not shut down its recently-purchased oil refinery near Philadelphia during Sandy, it operated the refinery at a reduced rate. The storm affected the plant’s start-up and slowed production and efficiency, according to Delta, increasing the airline’s fuel costs for the quarter.
Delta now expects its fourth quarter fuel price to be $3.20 to $3.25 per gallon, instead of its previous projection of $3.15 to $3.20 per gallon.
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