DELTA AIR LINES INC /DE/
10-Q, 1999-02-12
AIR TRANSPORTATION, SCHEDULED
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-Q


            [X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                    OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                    For the Quarter Ended December 31, 1998

                                      or

            [ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                    OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                         Commission File Number 1-5424



                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

                       State of Incorporation:  Delaware

                 IRS Employer Identification No.:  58-0218548

       Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia 30320

                          Telephone:  (404) 715-2600



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]   No [ ]


          Number of shares outstanding by each class of common stock,
                            as of January 31, 1999:


        Common Stock, $1.50 par value - 141,648,081 shares outstanding
<PAGE>
 
                         PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements


                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                 (In Millions)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                December 31           June 30     
ASSETS                                                                                             1998                1998       
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                                (Unaudited)                       
<S>                                                                                            <C>                 <C> 
CURRENT ASSETS:                                                                                                                   
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                  $        618        $     1,077    
    Short-term investments                                                                              186                557    
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts                                                              
       of $39 at December 31, 1998 and $36 at June 30, 1998                                             772                938    
    Deferred income taxes                                                                               488                464    
    Prepaid expenses and other                                                                          402                326    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
         Total current assets                                                                         2,466              3,362    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:                                                                                                           
    Flight equipment                                                                                 12,056             11,180    
       Less:  Accumulated depreciation                                                                4,030              3,895    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                      8,026              7,285    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
    Flight equipment under capital leases                                                               515                515    
       Less:  Accumulated amortization                                                                  240                216    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                        275                299    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
    Ground property and equipment                                                                     3,523              3,285    
       Less:  Accumulated depreciation                                                                2,002              1,854    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                      1,521              1,431    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
    Advance payments for equipment                                                                      455                306    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
         Total property and equipment                                                                10,277              9,321    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  

OTHER ASSETS:                                                                                                                     
    Marketable equity securities                                                                        484                424    
    Investments in associated companies                                                                 339                326    
    Cost in excess of net assets acquired, net                                                          274                265    
    Leasehold and operating rights, net                                                                 118                124    
    Other                                                                                               769                781    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
         Total other assets                                                                           1,984              1,920    
                                                                                               ---------------     -------------  
                                                                                                                                  
Total assets                                                                                   $     14,727        $    14,603    
                                                                                               ===============     =============   
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance 
sheets.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                 (In Millions)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     December 31         June 30      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY                                                    1998                1998        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                                                                                    (Unaudited)                        
<S>                                                                                <C>                 <C> 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                                                     
    Current maturities of long-term debt                                           $          -        $        67      
    Current obligations under capital leases                                                 73                 63      
    Notes payable                                                                           250                  -      
    Accounts payable and miscellaneous accrued liabilities                                2,017              2,025      
    Air traffic liability                                                                 1,404              1,667      
    Accrued salaries and vacation pay                                                       482                553      
    Accrued rent                                                                            230                202      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------
       Total current liabilities                                                          4,456              4,577      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------    
                                                                                                                        
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                                                                 
    Long-term debt                                                                        1,524              1,533      
    Postretirement benefits                                                               1,895              1,873      
    Accrued rent                                                                            666                651      
    Capital leases                                                                          196                249      
    Deferred income taxes                                                                   427                262      
    Other                                                                                   539                511      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------
         Total noncurrent liabilities                                                     5,247              5,079      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------    
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                        
DEFERRED CREDITS:                                                                                                       
    Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transactions                                        667                694      
    Manufacturers' and other credits                                                         79                 55      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------
       Total deferred credits                                                               746                749      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------    
                                                                                                                        
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 3)                                                                                  
                                                                                                                        
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN                                                                                           
    PREFERRED STOCK:                                                                                                    
    Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (issued and outstanding                                     
     6,579,710 shares at December 31, 1998 and 6,603,429 shares at                                                      
       June 30, 1998)                                                                       474                475      
    Unearned compensation under                                                                                         
       employee stock ownership plan                                                       (273)              (300)     
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------
                                                                                            201                175      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------    
SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY:                                                                                                    
    Common Stock at par (total shares issued:  177,653,427 shares at                                                    
       December 31, 1998 and 176,566,178 shares at June 30, 1998)                           266                265      
    Additional paid-in capital                                                            3,090              3,034      
    Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                  125                 89      
    Retained earnings                                                                     2,196              1,687      
    Treasury stock at cost (36,139,165 shares at December 31, 1998                                                     
       and 26,115,784 shares at June 30, 1998)                                           (1,600)            (1,052)     
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------
          Total shareowners' equity                                                       4,077              4,023      
                                                                                   ---------------     -------------    
                                                                                                                        
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity                                          $     14,727        $    14,603      
                                                                                   ===============     =============     
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                  (Unaudited)
                       (In Millions, Except Share Data)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended
                                                                   December 31                       December 31
                                                          ----------------------------      ------------------------------
                                                               1998           1997               1998            1997
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>               <C>               <C> 
Operating Revenues:                                                                                                      
        Passenger                                         $      3,135    $      3,133      $      6,622       $     6,396 
        Cargo                                                      150             160               290               303 
        Other, net                                                 163             141               338               288 
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
          Total operating revenues                               3,448           3,434             7,250             6,987 
                                                                                                                         
Operating Expenses:                                                                                                      
        Salaries and related costs                               1,217           1,206             2,454             2,410 
        Aircraft fuel                                              351             409               689               817 
        Passenger commissions                                      208             235               459               501 
        Depreciation and amortization                              233             211               451               409 
        Contracted services                                        193             169               376               341 
        Other selling expenses                                     179             170               375               334 
        Landing fees and other rent                                164             153               344               322 
        Aircraft rent                                              146             137               291               274 
        Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs         138             126               281               250 
        Passenger service                                          124             105               257               217 
        Other                                                      175             181               401               349 
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------ 
          Total operating expenses                               3,128           3,102             6,378             6,224 
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
                                                                                                                         
Operating Income                                                   320             332               872               763 
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
                                                                                                                         
Other Income (Expense):                                                                                                  
        Interest expense                                           (43)            (49)              (92)              (99)
        Interest capitalized                                        12              10                22                18 
        Interest income                                             12              23                33                40 
        Miscellaneous income (expense), net                         19              (3)               23                 8 
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------ 
                                                                     -             (19)              (14)              (33)
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------ 
                                                                                                                         
Income Before Income Taxes                                         320             313               858               730 
                                                                                                                         
Income Taxes Provided, Net                                        (126)           (123)             (338)             (287)
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
                                                                                                                         
Net Income                                                         194             190               520               443 
                                                                                                                         
Preferred Stock Dividends                                           (3)             (3)               (5)               (5)
                                                          ------------    ------------      ------------      ------------
                                                                                                                         
Net Income Available                                                                                                     
        To Common Shareowners                             $        191    $        187      $        515      $        438
                                                          ============    ============      ============      ============
                                                                                                                         
Basic Income Per Common Share                             $       1.34    $       1.26      $       3.54      $       2.96
                                                          ============    ============      ============      ============
                                                                                                                         
Diluted Income Per Common Share                           $       1.29    $       1.20      $       3.38      $       2.84
                                                          ============    ============      ============      ============

Weighted Average Shares Used In Per Share
        Computation:
          Basic                                            142,655,879     148,486,232       145,292,702       147,960,154
          Diluted                                          149,432,270     157,185,368       153,406,063       155,697,590

Dividends Per Common Share                                $      0.025    $      0.025      $      0.050      $      0.050
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                              Statistical Summary
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                              Three Months Ended                      Six Months Ended
                                                                  December 31                            December 31
                                                        -----------------------------------    ---------------------------------
                                                             1998                 1997             1998                1997
                                                        --------------        -------------    --------------     --------------
Statistical Summary:                                                                                                
<S>                                                     <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C> 
        Passengers Enplaned (thousands)                      25,547             25,487             53,149             51,993
        Revenue Passenger Miles (millions)                   24,823             24,144             52,935             50,729
        Available Seat Miles (millions)                      35,923             34,908             72,596             70,591
        Operating Margin                                        9.3 %              9.7 %             12.0 %             10.9 %
        Passenger Mile Yield                                  12.63 cents        12.97 cents        12.51 cents        12.61 cents
        Operating Revenue Per Available Seat Mile              9.60 cents         9.84 cents         9.99 cents         9.90 cents
        Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile                 8.71 cents         8.89 cents         8.79 cents         8.82 cents
        Passenger Load Factor                                 69.10 %            69.16 %            72.92 %            71.86 %
        Breakeven Passenger Load Factor                       62.06 %            61.83 %            63.32 %            63.29 %
        Revenue Ton Miles (millions)                          2,920              2,883              6,149              5,956
        Cargo Ton Miles (millions)                              438                469                856                884
        Cargo Ton Mile Yield                                  34.38 cents        34.20 cents        33.84 cents        34.24 cents
        Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions)                        680                660              1,382              1,342
        Average Price Per Fuel Gallon                         51.61 cents        61.94 cents        49.88 cents        60.91 cents
        Number of Aircraft in Fleet at End of Period            581                559                581                559
        Average Full-Time Equivalent Employees               71,300             66,400             71,100             65,800
</TABLE> 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 

                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                  (Unaudited)
                                 (In Millions)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            Six Months Ended
                                                                               December 31
                                                                    --------------------------------
                                                                        1998               1997
                                                                    -------------      -------------

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C> 
    Net Income                                                      $       520        $       443
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
        provided by operating activities, net                               625                614
    Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net                         (197)               153
                                                                    -------------      -------------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                           948              1,210
                                                                    -------------      -------------


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    Property and equipment additions:
        Flight equipment, including advance payments                     (1,173)              (842)
        Ground property and equipment                                      (223)              (121)
    Decrease in short-term investments, net                                 369                 10
    Other, net                                                                7                  -
                                                                    -------------      -------------
        Net cash used in investing activities                            (1,020)              (953)
                                                                    -------------      -------------


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    Issuance of common stock                                                 38                189
    Repurchase of common stock                                             (550)              (210)
    Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations               (117)               (51)
    Payments on notes payable                                               (27)                 -
    Issuance of notes payable                                               277                  -
    Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options                        13                 25
    Cash dividends                                                          (21)               (22)
                                                                    -------------      -------------
        Net cash used in financing activities                              (387)               (69)
                                                                    -------------      -------------


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
  CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                         (459)               188
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                          1,077                662
                                                                    -------------      -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                          $       618        $       850
                                                                    =============      =============


SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest (net of amounts capitalized)                           $        77        $        90
    Income taxes                                                    $       192        $       153
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                               December 31, 1998
                                  (Unaudited)

1.  ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES:

    The Company's accounting and reporting policies are summarized in Note 1
    (page 39) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998
    Annual Report to Shareowners. These interim financial statements should be
    read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes
    thereto included in the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners. In the
    opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
    financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
    items, necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods
    presented. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with
    the current year financial statement presentation.

    As a result of a review of its aircraft fleet plan and comparable industry
    practices, the Company increased the depreciable life of certain new
    generation aircraft types from 20 to 25 years.  The change in estimate was
    effective July 1, 1998, and resulted in lower depreciation expense of
    approximately $49 million ($0.34 basic and $0.32 diluted earnings per common
    share) for the six months ended December 31, 1998.
 
2.  AIRCRAFT PURCHASE COMMITMENTS:

    At December 31, 1998, the Company's aircraft fleet, purchase commitments,
    options (which have scheduled delivery slots) and rolling options (which
    replace options and are assigned delivery slots as options expire or are
    exercised) were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Current Fleet
                          --------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Rolling
      Aircraft Type             Owned         Leased          Total          Orders        Options        Options
- ----------------------    -------------    -----------    ------------    -----------    ----------    -----------
<S>                       <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
B-727-200                           117             10             127              0             0              0
B-737-200                             1             53              54              0             0              0
B-737-300                             0             26              26              0             0              0
B-737-600/700/800                     5              0               5             96            60            273
B-757-200                            58             41              99             19            20             81
B-767-200                            15              0              15              0             0              0
B-767-300                             3             24              27              1             0              0
B-767-300ER                          35              8              43              9            11             18
B-767-400ER                           0              0               0             21            24             25
B-777-200                             0              0               0             14            20             30
L-1011-1                             16              0              16              0             0              0
L-1011-250                            6              0               6              0             0              0
L-1011-500                           12              0              12              0             0              0
MD-11                                 8              7              15              0             0              0
MD-88                                63             57             120              0             0              0
MD-90                                16              0              16              0             0              0
                          -------------    -----------    ------------    -----------    ----------    -----------
         Total                      355            226             581            160           135            427
                          =============    ===========    ============    ===========    ==========    ===========
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
    During the December 1998 quarter, Delta accepted delivery of five new B-737-
    800 aircraft, three new B-757-200 aircraft, one new B-767-300 aircraft and
    two new B-767-300ER aircraft. Delta also exercised options for one B-737-800
    aircraft and two B-757-200 aircraft, and placed additional orders for twelve
    B-737-800 aircraft and seven B-757-200 aircraft. In addition, the Company
    retired four B-727-200 aircraft, one L-1011-1 aircraft and three L-1011-500
    aircraft. The aircraft acquisitions and retirements are part of the
    Company's ongoing fleet simplification strategy.

    Subsequent to December 31, 1998, Delta accepted delivery of one new B-737-
    800 aircraft, one new B-757-200 aircraft, and one new B-767-300ER aircraft.

    Future expenditures for aircraft, engines and engine hushkits on firm order
    at December 31, 1998 are estimated to be $7.1 billion, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Amount
               Years Ending June 30                    (In Millions)
               --------------------                    --------------
<S>                                                    <C>
               Remainder of fiscal year 1999               $  820
               2000                                         2,060
               2001                                         2,060
               2002                                           320
               2003                                           320
               After 2003                                   1,560
                                                          -------
                                         Total             $7,140
                                                          =======
</TABLE>

3.  CONTINGENCIES:

    Delta is a defendant in certain legal actions relating to alleged employment
    discrimination practices, antitrust matters, environmental issues and other
    matters concerning Delta's business.  Although the ultimate outcome of these
    matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the
    resolution of these actions is not likely to have a material adverse effect
    on Delta's consolidated financial statements.

4.  SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY:
 
    On October 22, 1998, Delta's shareowners approved an amendment to the
    Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized Common
    Stock of the Company from 150 million shares, par value $3.00 per share, to
    450 million shares, par value $1.50 per share, and to effect a two-for-one
    split of the issued Common Stock. This amendment became effective on
    November 2, 1998. All references in this Form 10-Q to the number of shares
    of Common Stock (including references to the number of common shares
    relating to the Company's broad-based employee stock option programs and its
    Common Stock repurchase programs), the Company's earnings per common share
    and per share Common Stock prices have been restated to reflect this Common
    Stock split.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
    During the December 1998 quarter, the Company issued a total of 140,726
    common shares, at an average price of $43.84 per share, under its broad-
    based employee stock option plans, 1989 Stock Incentive Plan, Dividend
    Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, and Non-Employee Directors' Stock
    Plan. In addition, the Company distributed a total of 45,500 shares of
    Common Stock from treasury under its 1989 Stock Incentive Plan.

    The Company has two common stock repurchase programs. The Company's Board of
    Directors authorized the Company to repurchase its Common Stock and Common
    Stock equivalents (1) for an aggregate purchase price of up to $750 million
    from time to time through December 31, 1999 (July 1998 Authorization); and
    (2) in connection with the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans
    (April 1996 Authorization). During the December 1998 quarter, the Company
    repurchased (1) 2,110,889 common shares, at an average price of $49.81 per
    share, under the July 1998 Authorization; and (2) 83,611 common shares, at
    an average price of $46.76 per share, under the April 1996 Authorization.
    Since the adoption of the July 1998 Authorization, the Company has purchased
    a total of 9,379,645 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price
    of $506 million under that program.

    At December 31, 1998, 40,339,469 common shares were reserved for issuance
    under the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans; 14,936,290
    common shares were reserved for issuance under the 1989 Stock Incentive
    Plan; 11,288,150 common shares were reserved for conversion of the Series B
    ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock; 495,753 common shares were reserved for
    issuance under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan; and 250,000 common
    shares were reserved for issuance under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock
    Option Plan.

5.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
 
    During the September 1998 quarter, the Company adopted Statement of
    Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
    Income," which establishes standards for the reporting of comprehensive
    income and its components.  The adoption of SFAS No. 130 had no net effect
    on the Company's net income or shareowners' equity for the three and six
    months ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.  Total comprehensive income for the
    three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $268 million and $173
    million, respectively. For the six months ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
    total comprehensive income was $557 million and $410 million, respectively.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
6.  EARNINGS PER SHARE:

    During the December 1997 quarter, Delta adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per
    Share," which established new standards for computing and presenting income
    per share data. The following table shows a reconciliation of the numerator
    (net income) and denominator (average shares outstanding) used in computing
    basic and diluted income per share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended                       Six Months Ended
                                                              December 31                              December 31
                                                  -------------------------------------     ---------------------------------
                                                      1998                     1997             1998                  1997
                                                  -----------              -----------      -----------           -----------
                                                                    (In Millions, except per share data)                       
<S>                                               <C>                      <C>              <C>                    <C>
BASIC:                                                                                                        
  Net income                                           $  194                   $  190           $  520                $  443
    Preferred stock dividends                              (3)                      (3)              (5)                   (5)
                                                  -----------              -----------      -----------           -----------
  Income available to common                                                                                  
    shareowners                                        $  191                   $  187           $  515                $  438
                                                                                                              
  Weighted average shares outstanding                   142.7                    148.5            145.3                 148.0
  Basic income per common share                        $ 1.34                   $ 1.26           $ 3.54                $ 2.96
                                                  ===========              ===========      ===========           ===========

DILUTED:                                                                                                      
  Net income                                           $  194                   $  190           $  520                $  443
    Adjustment to net income assuming 
     conversion of  Series B ESOP                                                                                          
      Convertible Preferred Stock                          (1)                      (1)              (2)                   (1)
                                                  -----------              -----------      -----------           -----------
  Income available to                                                                                         
    common shareowners                                 $  193                   $  189           $  518                $  442
                                                                                                                            
  Weighted average shares outstanding                   142.7                    148.5            145.3                 148.0
                                                                                                                            
    Conversion of Series B ESOP                                                                                             
      Convertible Preferred Stock                         4.7                      4.2              4.7                   4.2
    Exercise of stock options                             2.0                      4.5              3.4                   3.5
                                                  -----------              -----------      -----------           -----------
  Average shares outstanding as adjusted                149.4                    157.2            153.4                 155.7
  Diluted income per common share                      $ 1.29                   $ 1.20           $ 3.38                $ 2.84
                                                  ===========              ===========      ===========           ===========
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
         ---------------------

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $804 million at
December 31, 1998, compared to $1.63 billion at June 30, 1998. This 51% decline
was largely due to aircraft acquisitions and Common Stock repurchases during the
September 1998 and December 1998 quarters. During the six months ended December
31, 1998, the principal sources of funds were $948 million of cash from
operations, $277 million from the issuance of short-term obligations, and $51
million (including an income tax benefit of $13 million related to the exercise
of stock options) from the issuance of 1,086,964 common shares primarily under
the Company's broad-based employee stock option plans. The decrease in cash from
operations for the six months ended December 31, 1998 compared to the six months
ended December 31, 1997 was primarily attributable to $310 million received
during the September 1997 quarter from Delta's frequent flyer partners for the
prepayment of mileage credits.

During the six months ended December 31, 1998, the Company invested $1.17
billion in flight equipment and $223 million in ground property and equipment;
paid $550 million to repurchase 10,012,122 common shares; made principal
payments of $117 million on long-term debt and capital lease obligations; and
paid $21 million in cash dividends. The Company may prepay its long-term debt
and repurchase Common Stock from time to time. For information regarding Delta's
Common Stock repurchase authorizations, see Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and Note 14 (page 51) of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.

As of December 31, 1998, the Company had negative working capital of $1.99
billion, compared to negative working capital of $1.22 billion at June 30, 1998.
A negative working capital position is normal for Delta and does not indicate a
lack of liquidity. The Company expects to meet its current obligations as they
become due through available cash, short-term investments and internally
generated funds, supplemented as necessary by borrowings and proceeds from sale
and leaseback transactions.

At December 31, 1998, the Company had $1.25 billion of credit available on a
revolving basis under its 1997 Bank Credit Agreement. As of that date, no
borrowings or letters of credit were outstanding under the agreement. See Note 6
(page 43) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998
Annual Report to Shareowners for additional information regarding the 1997 Bank
Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 1998, long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including
current maturities, totaled $1.79 billion, compared to $1.91 billion at June 30,
1998. Shareowners' equity was $4.08 billion at December 31, 1998 and $4.02
billion at June 30, 1998. The Company's debt-to-equity position, including
current maturities, was 30% debt and 70% equity at December 31, 1998 and 32%
debt and 68% equity at June 30, 1998.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
At December 31, 1998, there was outstanding $290 million principal amount of the
Delta Family-Care Savings Plan's Series C Guaranteed Serial ESOP Notes (Series C
ESOP Notes). Delta is required to purchase the Series C ESOP Notes in certain
circumstances. See Note 6 (page 43) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.

On December 22, 1998, the Company issued promissory notes with an aggregate
principal amount of $250 million for general corporate purposes. The notes bear
interest based on the three month LIBOR rate. The notes are payable on June 29,
1999, and are reflected in notes payable on the accompanying Consolidated
Balance Sheet.

At its meeting on January 28, 1999, Delta's Board of Directors declared a cash
dividend of 2.5 cents per common share, payable March 1, 1999, to shareowners of
record on February 17, 1999.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
- ---------------------------------------------

For the quarter ended December 31, 1998, Delta recorded unaudited consolidated
operating income of $320 million and net income of $194 million. For the quarter
ended December 31, 1997, Delta recorded operating income of $332 million and net
income of $190 million. The Company's operating margin (ratio of operating
income to operating revenue) for the quarter ended December 31, 1998 was 9.3%,
compared to 9.7% for the quarter ended December 31, 1997.

Operating revenues in the December 1998 quarter totaled $3.45 billion, an
increase of less than 1% from $3.43 billion in the December 1997 quarter.
Passenger revenue increased less than 1% to $3.13 billion, the result of a 3%
increase in revenue passenger miles offset by a 3% decrease in passenger mile
yield.

Domestic passenger revenue declined less than 1% to $2.60 billion for the
December 1998 quarter, reflecting a 1% gain in domestic revenue passenger miles,
offset by a 2% decline in domestic passenger mile yield. The rise in domestic
revenue passenger miles was primarily due to a 1% increase in domestic capacity.
Lower passenger mile yield reflects generally lower industry-wide passenger
yields due to "sale" fares offered by a competitor following resolution of its
pilot strike and lower demand in certain leisure markets due to mild winter
weather. The passenger mile yield was also negatively impacted by increased
competition from a low-fare carrier in one of Delta's major hubs.

International passenger revenue in the December 1998 quarter rose 2%, to $534
million, reflecting an 8% increase in international revenue passenger miles,
partially offset by a 5% decline in international passenger mile yield. The
increase in international revenue passenger miles reflects the Company's
continued international expansion. The decline in international passenger mile
yield is primarily due to increased competitive pressures resulting from
industry-wide capacity increases on Atlantic and Latin American routes and lower
demand on Pacific routes resulting from the Asian economic slowdown.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Cargo revenue fell 6% to $150 million in the December 1998 quarter. Cargo ton
miles decreased 7%, while the cargo ton mile yield increased 1%. The decrease in
cargo ton miles was due to the continued shifting of U.S. Postal Service
business from passenger carriers to dedicated air-freight carriers and ground
transportation providers as well as industry-wide overcapacity in international
markets. The cargo ton mile yield increase was primarily a result of increased
sales of higher-margin products in the domestic market. All other revenue, net,
increased 15%, to $163 million, largely due to improved results from frequent
flyer partnership programs and increased administrative service charges.

Operating expenses for the December 1998 quarter totaled $3.13 billion, rising
1% from the December 1997 quarter on an operating capacity increase of 3% to
35.92 billion available seat miles. Salaries and related costs grew 1%,
reflecting a 7% increase in average full-time equivalent employees, partially
offset by a decrease in salary related expenses, mainly due to the effect of
accumulated returns on pension plan assets. Consistent with its customer service
initiatives, the Company has increased staffing in the areas of in-flight
service, airport customer service, technical operations, and reservations.
Aircraft fuel expense decreased 14% as the average fuel price per gallon fell
17% to 51.61 cents, partially offset by a 3% increase in fuel gallons consumed.
Rentals and landing fees rose 7% due to higher terminal facility rent expense at
certain locations. Aircraft rentals increased 7% as a result of an increased
number of leased aircraft. Passenger commissions were 12% lower than the
December 1997 quarter, reflecting lower effective commission rates primarily
attributable to a rate reduction implemented by the Company in September 1997.
The lower effective commission rates are recognized over time as the tickets
sold under the new commission rates are used. Other selling expenses increased
5%, primarily due to higher advertising and promotion expense. Passenger service
expense grew 18% as a result of on-board product enhancements and increased
passenger traffic. Contracted services expense increased 14% due to higher
information technology costs, and rate increases in ground handling and cabin
cleaning contracts. Aircraft maintenance expenses were 10% higher resulting from
the expiration of engine warranties and other costs associated with the
maturation of the fleet. Depreciation and amortization expense rose 10% mainly
due to the acquisition of 24 additional aircraft since the December 1997 quarter
and higher software amortization. The depreciation increase was partially offset
by the increase in the depreciable life of certain aircraft types, effective
July 1, 1998. (See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in
this Form 10-Q.) The 3% reduction in other costs was primarily attributable to
lower non-payroll taxes, insurance and interrupted operations expense.

Nonoperating income in the December 1998 quarter was less than $1 million,
compared to nonoperating expense of $19 million in the December 1997 quarter.
The rise in nonoperating income is primarily the result of a gain on the sale of
the Company's investment in a ground handling company in the United Kingdom,
partially offset by a charge related to the settlement of a frequent flyer
program class action lawsuit.

Pretax income of $320 million for the December 1998 quarter resulted in an
income tax provision of $126 million. After a $3 million provision for preferred
stock dividends, net income available to common shareowners was $191 million.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Six Months Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
- --------------------------------------------

For the six months ended December 31, 1998, Delta recorded unaudited operating
income of $872 million and net income of $520 million. For the six months ended
December 31, 1997, the Company recorded operating income of $763 million and net
income of $443 million. The Company's operating margin for the six months ended
December 31, 1998 was 12.0%, compared to 10.9% for the six months ended December
31, 1997.

Operating revenues for the six months ended December 31, 1998 totaled $7.25
billion, a 4% increase from $6.99 billion for the six months ended December
1997. Passenger revenue rose 4% to $6.62 billion, reflecting a 4% increase in
revenue passenger miles, partially offset by a decrease of 1% in passenger mile
yield.

Domestic passenger revenue rose 3% to $5.36 billion, reflecting 3% growth in
domestic revenue passenger miles and a 1% increase in passenger mile yield.
Revenue passenger mile growth is primarily due to generally favorable economic
conditions, increased traffic during the September 1998 quarter (including the
effects of a competitor's pilot strike), as well as overall improved asset
utilization. The rise in domestic passenger mile yield is due to the domestic
business fare increase implemented during September 1997, improved revenue
management models, and the reallocation of assets to higher return markets,
partially offset by the Company's matching of "sale" fares offered by a
competitor during the December 1998 quarter following resolution of its pilot
strike, and increased competition from a low-fare carrier in one of Delta's
major hubs.

International passenger revenue grew 5% to $1.26 billion, reflecting an increase
in revenue passenger miles of 10%, partially offset by a 5% decline in passenger
mile yield. The increase in international revenue passenger miles reflects
Delta's continued international expansion. The decline in international
passenger mile yield is primarily due to increased competitive pressures
resulting from industry-wide capacity increases on Atlantic and Latin American
routes and the combination of lower business demand on the Pacific routes
resulting from the Asian economic slowdown and an increase in industry-wide
capacity in the U.S.-Japan market.

Cargo revenue fell 4% to $290 million. Cargo ton miles dropped 3%, and the cargo
ton mile yield decreased 1%, largely due to industry-wide overcapacity in
international markets, as well as the continued shift of certain U.S. Postal
Service business from passenger carriers to dedicated air-freight carriers and
ground transportation providers. All other revenue, net, increased 18% to $338
million, due to higher revenues from frequent flyer partnership programs and
administrative service charges.

Operating expenses for the six months ended December 1998 totaled $6.38 billion,
an increase of 3% compared to the six months ended December 1997. Operating
capacity increased 3% to 72.60 billion available seat miles. Salaries and
related costs increased 2% primarily due to a 7% growth in average full-time
equivalent employees, partially offset by a decrease in salary related expenses,
mainly due to the effect of accumulated returns on pension plan assets.
Headcount increased in the areas of in-flight service, airport customer service,
technical operations, and reservations, consistent with the Company's customer
service initiatives. Aircraft fuel expense decreased 16% as the average fuel
price per gallon fell 18% to 49.88 cents, partially offset by a 3% increase in
fuel gallons consumed. Rentals and landing fees rose 6% due to higher facility
rents at certain locations. Aircraft rental expense increased 6% as a result of
new operating leases entered into during the last twelve months. Passenger
commissions declined 8% due to lower commission rates, partially offset by
higher passenger revenue. Other selling expenses increased 12%, mainly the
result of

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
higher credit card service charges and higher advertising and promotion expense.
Passenger service expense grew 19%, primarily the result of higher food costs
associated with increased passenger traffic and product enhancements. Contracted
services expense was up 10% due to increased information technology costs, as
well as rate increases in ground handling and cabin cleaning contracts. Aircraft
maintenance expense rose 13% due to the timing of scheduled heavy maintenance
visits, the expiration of engine warranties, and other costs associated with the
maturation of the fleet. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 10%,
largely due to the acquisition of additional flight and ground equipment,
partially offset by the increase in the depreciable lives of certain aircraft
types. (See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this
Form 10-Q.) Other costs were 15% higher, reflecting higher Year 2000 and other
consulting fees, expenses associated with customer loyalty programs, and higher
communications costs.

Nonoperating expense for the six months ended December 1998 totaled $14 million,
compared to nonoperating expense of $33 million for the six months ended
December 1997. Interest expense fell 7% to $92 million, due to lower levels of
debt outstanding. Interest income declined 18% to $33 million due to lower
average cash and cash equivalent balances, as well as lower effective interest
rates. Miscellaneous income for the six months ended December 31, 1998 totaled
$23 million, primarily the result of a gain on the sale of the Company's
investment in a ground handling company in the United Kingdom, partially offset
by a charge related to the settlement of a frequent flyer program class action
lawsuit.

Pretax income of $858 million for the six months ended December 1998 resulted in
an income tax provision of $338 million. After a $5 million provision for
preferred stock dividends, net income available to common shareowners was $515
million.


ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

During the December 1998 quarter, the Company began to use foreign currency
options instead of forward contracts to manage its foreign currency exchange
rate risk. These options have maturities of up to six months. Management
believes that the change from forward contracts to options does not have a
material impact on the Company's exposure to foreign currency risk. For
additional information regarding the Company's exposure to certain market risks,
see "Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments" (page 33), as well as
Notes 2 and 4 (page 40 and 41, respectively) of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements, in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                      [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP]

                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To Delta Air Lines, Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of DELTA AIR LINES,
INC. (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1998 and the
related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and six-month
periods ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the condensed consolidated
statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended December 31, 1998 and
1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the financial statements referred to above for them to be in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



Arthur Andersen LLP
- -------------------


Atlanta, Georgia
February 5, 1999

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES
- ------------------------------

For information regarding the Company's two-for-one Common Stock split, which
became effective at 5 p.m., eastern standard time, on November 2, 1998 (Stock
Split), see Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this
Form 10-Q.

As a result of the Stock Split, the number of preferred stock purchase rights
(Rights) which accompany each outstanding share of Common Stock was adjusted
from one Right per common share to one-half Right per common share. The Rights
become exercisable only in certain circumstances. See Note 12 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Delta's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners
for additional information regarding the Rights.

Also as a result of the Stock Split, each outstanding share of the Company's
Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock was adjusted by changing (1) the
conversion price from $83.94 to $41.97; (2) the conversion rate from 0.8578 to
1.7155; and (3) the voting rights from one vote to two votes.

Under the Delta Air Lines, Inc. Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan),
members of the Company's Board of Directors may defer for a specified period all
or any part of their cash compensation earned as a director. A participating
director may choose an investment return on the deferred amount from among
certain of the investment return choices available under the Delta Family-Care
Savings Plan, a qualified defined contribution pension plan for eligible Delta
personnel. One of the investment return choices under the Delta Family-Care
Savings Plan is a fund invested primarily in Delta's Common Stock (Delta Common
Stock Fund). During the quarter ended December 31, 1998, a participant in the
Plan deferred $11,125 in the Delta Common Stock Fund investment return choice
(equivalent to approximately 221 shares of Delta Common Stock, as restated for
the Stock Split, at prevailing market prices). These transactions were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on Section
4(2) of such Act.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------

YEAR 2000
- ---------

The Company estimates that the total cost of achieving Year 2000 readiness for
its internal systems and equipment is approximately $120 million to $135
million, of which $73 million has been recognized as expense ($17 million of
which was incurred in the December 1998 quarter) in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Operations through December 31, 1998. This estimate is a forward-
looking statement which involves a number of risks and uncertainties that could
cause the actual results to differ materially from the projected results.
Factors that may cause these differences include, but are not limited to, the
availability of qualified personnel and other information technology resources;
the ability to identify and remediate all affected systems and equipment; and
the actions of governmental agencies or other third parties with respect to Year
2000 problems. See pages 28-30 of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareowners for additional information regarding Delta's Year 2000 program.

EURO CURRENCY ISSUE
- -------------------

On January 1, 1999, certain members of the European Union introduced the "euro"
currency. During the December 1998 quarter, Delta completed modifications to its
internal customer reservations systems and business support systems to operate
in the euro environment. Delta also trained its employees to use the modified
systems and to process transactions involving the euro. For additional
information regarding Delta's euro currency issue, see pages 30-31 of the
Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareowners.

BROAD-BASED STOCK OPTION PLANS
- ------------------------------

On October 24, 1996, the Company's shareowners approved two plans providing for
the issuance of non-qualified stock options to substantially all of Delta's non-
officer personnel to purchase a total of 49.4 million shares (as restated for
the Stock Split) of Common Stock. One plan is for eligible Delta personnel who
are not pilots (Nonpilot Plan); the other plan covers the Company's eligible
pilots (Pilot Plan).

The Nonpilot and Pilot Plans involve non-qualified stock options to purchase
29.4 million and 20 million shares of Common Stock, respectively. The plans
provide for grants in three annual installments at an exercise price equal to
the opening price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the
grant date. Stock options awarded under these plans are generally exercisable
beginning one year and ending ten years after their grant dates, and are not
transferable other than upon the death of the person granted the stock options.
On October 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, Delta granted eligible personnel non-
qualified stock options to purchase 16.4 million, 16.6 million and 16.4 million
shares of Common Stock (as restated for the Stock Split), respectively, at
exercise prices of $50.59 per share, $49 per share and $34.50 per share (as
restated for the Stock Split), respectively.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
PERSONNEL MATTERS
- -----------------

Changes in Compensation Program
- -------------------------------

During the December 1998 quarter, Delta announced changes to its compensation
program that apply to most domestic, noncontract employees. Effective January 1,
1999, the Company discontinued its broad-based profit sharing program; converted
the maximum 6% of annual base salary payout for eligible personnel under that
program to a 6% base salary increase for those personnel; and granted an
additional 2% base salary increase for eligible personnel. In January 1999, the
Company also made a profit sharing payment to eligible personnel of 6% of base
salary paid for the period July 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The Company
offered to make similar compensation program changes for its pilots, and the Air
Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the collective bargaining
representative of the Company's approximately 8,800 pilots, accepted this offer.

Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreement Matters
- ---------------------------------------------

On May 1, 1996, the Company and ALPA entered into a new collective bargaining
agreement (Existing Contract) covering the rates of pay, rules and working
conditions of the Company's pilots. The Existing Contract, which becomes
amendable on May 2, 2000, provides in part (1) that if the Company operates an
aircraft type (New Equipment) for which the rates of pay, rules and working
conditions (collectively, Pay Rates) are not set forth in the Existing
Agreement, the Company and ALPA will negotiate the Pay Rates applicable to the
New Equipment; (2) that pilots will fly the New Equipment whether or not Pay
Rates for the equipment have been agreed upon; but (3) that the pilots'
obligation to fly the New Equipment will end if Pay Rates have not been agreed
upon within six months after the Company places the New Equipment into
operation.

The Company has placed orders to purchase the following aircraft types, each of
which constitutes New Equipment under the Existing Contract: B-737-600/700/800
aircraft; B-777-200 aircraft; and B-767-400 aircraft. In addition, the Company
is leasing from a third party certain B-737-300 aircraft which also constitute
New Equipment under the Existing Contract. The Company placed the first of these
leased B-737-300 aircraft in service in July 1998, and accepted delivery of its
first B-737-800 aircraft in the December 1998 quarter.

In October 1997, the Company and ALPA began negotiations on the Pay Rates
applicable to B-737-600/700/800 aircraft and the B-737-300 aircraft discussed
above (B-737 New Equipment). ALPA announced plans to request pilots not to fly
the B-737 New Equipment subsequent to the six-month period after such aircraft
were initially placed in service unless and until Pay Rates for these aircraft
types were agreed upon. Additionally, in January 1998, the Company's pilots
voted to authorize ALPA to assess pilots 1% of their gross pay for up to nine
months to finance a contingency fund for pilots who would have flown these
aircraft.

On June 23, 1998, the Company and ALPA reached an agreement which establishes
industry leading Pay Rates applicable to the B-737 New Equipment (B-737
Agreement), subject to the approval of Delta's pilots. On October 16, 1998, ALPA
announced that the Company's pilots had

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
approved the B-737 Agreement, with 60% of the pilots who voted voting in favor
of that agreement.

In February 1999, the Company began negotiations with ALPA regarding the Pay
Rates applicable to the Company's B-777-200 aircraft. The outcome of these
negotiations cannot presently be determined. The Company plans to place the
B-777-200 aircraft type in service shortly after delivery, which is expected to
begin in March 1999.

The Company and ALPA plan to begin negotiations at a later date regarding the
Pay Rates applicable to the Company's B-767-400 aircraft. Delta is scheduled to
receive its first delivery of this aircraft type in May 2000.

The Existing Agreement provides that the parties may begin negotiations in March
2000 on a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the Existing Agreement.
In January 1999, ALPA and the Company agreed to begin these negotiations on the
earlier of September 1999 or the date that Delta and ALPA reach an agreement on
the Pay Rates applicable to the Company's B-777-200 aircraft.

FLIGHT SUPERINTENDENTS' CONTRACT
- --------------------------------

On December 18, 1998, the Company entered into a new collective bargaining
agreement with the Professional Airline Flight Controllers Association, the
collective bargaining representative for the Company's approximately 210 flight
superintendents. The new agreement replaces the collective bargaining agreement
which became amendable on January 1, 1999. The new agreement became effective on
January 1, 1999, provides for certain pay increases and becomes amendable on
January 1, 2003.
                

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- -----------------------------------------


(a)  Exhibits

     10.  Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and Form of Award Agreement
          dated October 22, 1998.

     12.  Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

     15.  Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP regarding unaudited interim financial
          information.

     27.  Financial Data Schedule (For SEC use only).

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K:
 
     On October 20, 1998, Delta filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October
     19, 1998 regarding (1) the Company's unaudited financial results for the
     September 1998 quarter; (2) its Common Stock repurchases during the
     September 1998 quarter; and (3) the approval by the Company's pilots of an
     agreement regarding pilot pay rates, rules and working conditions
     applicable to the Company's B-737-600/700/800 aircraft and certain B-737-
     300 aircraft.

     On January 8, 1999, Delta filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to file
     certain exhibits in connection with its Registration Statement on Form S-3
     (File No. 333-58647). The exhibits filed relate to the offering by the
     Company from time to time of up to $300 million aggregate principal amount
     of Medium-Term Notes, Series C.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE
                                   ---------



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                             Delta Air Lines, Inc.
                                             ---------------------
                                                 (Registrant)



                                             By: /s/ Warren C. Jenson
                                             ------------------------
                                                  Warren C. Jenson
                                             Executive Vice President and
                                               Chief Financial Officer



February 12, 1999

                                       22

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 10


                             DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
                                        
                   NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
                   -----------------------------------------
                                        

SECTION 1. Purpose; Definitions.

The purpose of the "Delta Air Lines, Inc. Non-employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan" (the "Plan") is to assist Delta Air Lines, Inc. (the "Company") in
attracting and retaining persons of outstanding ability to serve on the Board of
Directors, and to strengthen the alignment of interests between the Board and
the Company's shareowners.

For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth
below:

     "Affiliate" and "Associate" have the respective meanings accorded to such
     terms in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act as in effect on October 22,
     1998.

     "Beneficial Ownership".  A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner"
     of, and shall be deemed to "beneficially own," securities pursuant to Rule
     13d-3 under the Exchange Act as in effect on October 22, 1998.

     "Board" or "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the
     Company.

     "Change in Control" means, and shall be deemed to have occurred upon, the
     first to occur of any of the following events:

             (a) Any Person (other than an Excluded Person) acquires, together
         with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, Beneficial Ownership
         of securities representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of
         the Voting Stock then outstanding, unless such Person acquires
         Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the
         Voting Stock then outstanding solely as a result of an acquisition of
         Voting Stock by the Company which, by reducing the Voting Stock
         outstanding, increases the proportionate Voting Stock beneficially
         owned by such Person (together with all Affiliates and Associates of
         such Person) to 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting
         Stock then outstanding; provided, that if a Person shall become the
                                 --------
         Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the combined voting power of
         the Voting Stock then outstanding by reason of such Voting Stock
         acquisition by the Company and shall thereafter become the Beneficial
         Owner of any additional Voting Stock which causes the proportionate
         voting power of Voting Stock beneficially owned by such Person to
         increase to 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting
         Stock then outstanding, such Person shall, upon becoming the Beneficial
         Owner of such additional Voting Stock, be deemed to have become the
         Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the
         Voting Stock then outstanding other than solely as a result of such
         Voting Stock acquisition by the Company;

             (b) During any period of two consecutive years (not including any
         period prior to October 22, 1998), individuals who at the beginning of
         such period constitute the Board 
<PAGE>
 
         (and any new Director, whose election by the Board or nomination for
         election by the Company's shareowners was approved by a vote of at
         least two-thirds of the Directors then still in office who either were
         Directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or
         nomination for election was so approved), cease for any reason to
         constitute a majority of Directors then constituting the Board;


             (c) A reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company is
         consummated, in each case, unless, immediately following such
         reorganization, merger or consolidation, (i) more than 50% of,
         respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the
         corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation
         and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities
         of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
         directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or
         substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the
         beneficial owners of the Voting Stock outstanding immediately prior to
         such reorganization, merger or consolidation, (ii) no Person (but
         excluding for this purpose any Excluded Person and any Person
         beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger
         or consolidation, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the voting
         power of the outstanding Voting Stock) beneficially owns, directly or
         indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares
         of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization,
         merger or consolidation or the combined voting power of the then
         outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote
         generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of
         the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from
         such reorganization, merger or consolidation were members of the Board
         at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for
         such reorganization, merger or consolidation; or

             (d) The shareowners of the Company approve (i) a complete
         liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (ii) the sale or other
         disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company,
         other than to any corporation with respect to which, immediately
         following such sale or other disposition, (A) more than 50% of,
         respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such
         corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding
         voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the
         election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or
         indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities
         who were the beneficial owners of the Voting Stock outstanding
         immediately prior to such sale or other disposition of assets, (B) no
         Person (but excluding for this purpose any Excluded Person and any
         Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such sale or other
         disposition, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the voting power of
         the outstanding Voting Stock) beneficially owns, directly or
         indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares
         of common stock of such corporation or the combined voting power of the
         then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote
         generally in the election of directors and (C) at least a majority of
         the members of the board of directors of such corporation were members
         of the Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or
         action of the Board providing for such sale or other disposition of
         assets of the Company.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Change in Control be
     deemed to have occurred (i) as a result of the formation of a Holding
     Company, or (ii) with respect to a Participant, if Participant is part of a
     "group," within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Exchange Act as in effect on October 22, 1998, which consummates the Change
     in Control transaction. In addition, for purposes of the definition of
     Change in Control a Person engaged in business as an underwriter of
     securities shall not be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of, or to
     "beneficially own," any securities acquired through such Person's
     participation in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting until the
     expiration of forty days after the date of such acquisition.

     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
     time, and any successor thereto.

     "Committee" means the Committee referred to in Section 2 of the Plan.  The
     functions of the Committee specified in the Plan may be exercised by the
     Board at any time.

     "Disability" means a physical or mental condition that prevents the
     Participant from performing his duties as a member of the Board for a
     period expected to exceed six consecutive months.

     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from
     time to time, and any successor thereto.

     "Excluded Person" means (i) the Company; (ii) any of the Company's
     Subsidiaries; (iii) any Holding Company; (iv) any employee benefit plan of
     the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or a Holding Company; or (v) any
     Person organized, appointed or established by the Company, any of its
     Subsidiaries or a Holding Company for or pursuant to the terms of any plan
     described in clause (iv).

     "Fair Market Value" means, as of any given date, the opening or closing
     price, as determined by the Committee, of the Stock on the New York Stock
     Exchange or, if no sale of Stock occurs on the New York Stock Exchange on
     such date, the opening or closing price, as determined by the Committee, of
     the Stock on said exchange on the last preceding day on which such sale
     occurred.

     "Holding Company" means an entity that becomes a holding company for the
     Company or its businesses as a part of any reorganization, merger,
     consolidation or other transaction, provided that the outstanding shares of
     common stock of such entity and the combined voting power of the then
     outstanding voting securities of such entity entitled to vote generally in
     the election of directors is, immediately after such reorganization,
     merger, consolidation or other transaction, beneficially owned, directly or
     indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
     were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Voting Stock outstanding
     immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or other
     transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership,
     immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or other
     transaction, of such outstanding Voting Stock.

     "Non-employee Director" means a person who, as of any applicable date, is a
     member of the Board of Directors and is not an officer or employee of the
     Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     "Non-Qualified Stock Option" means a Stock Option granted under Section 5
     below which is not intended to be an incentive stock option within the
     meaning of Code Section 422.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     "Option Price" means the price specified in Section 5 below.

     "Participant" means the recipient of an award under the Plan.

     "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust
     or any other entity or organization.

     "Retirement" means retirement from the Board of Directors in accordance
     with the retirement policy then applicable to Board members, as determined
     by the Board from time to time.

     "Stock" means the Company's common stock, par value $1.50 per share, except
     that, prior to the close of business on November 2, 1998, Stock means the
     Company's common stock, par value $3.00 per share.

     "Stock Option" or "Option" means any Non-Qualified Stock Option to purchase
     shares of Stock granted pursuant to Section 5 below.

     "Subsidiary" of any Person means any other Person of which securities or
     other ownership interests having voting power to elect a majority of the
     board of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are at the
     time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

     "Voting Stock" means securities of the Company entitled to vote generally
     in the election of members of the Board.

SECTION 2. Administration.

The Plan shall be administered by a Committee of the Board of Directors,
designated by the Board and to be comprised of not less than two members of the
Board. Each director, while serving as a member of the Committee, shall be
considered to be acting in his capacity as a director of the Company. Members of
the Committee shall be appointed from time to time for such terms as the Board
shall determine, and may be removed by the Board at any time with or without
cause. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to construe and interpret the Plan, to establish, amend and
rescind appropriate rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the
persons to whom and the time or times at which to grant awards thereunder, to
administer the Plan, and to take all such steps and make all such determinations
in connection with the Plan and the awards granted thereunder as it may deem
necessary or advisable to carry out the provisions and intent of the Plan. All
determinations of the Committee shall be by a majority of its members, and its
determinations shall be final and conclusive for all purposes and upon all
persons, including but without limitation, the Company, the Committee, the
directors of the Company, the Participants and their respective successors in
interest.

SECTION 3. Stock Subject to Plan.

The total number of shares of Stock reserved and available for distribution
under the Plan shall be 250,000, subject to adjustment as provided in this
Section.  Stock distributed under the Plan shall be treasury shares.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
If any shares of Stock subject to a Stock Option cease to be subject to such
Option for any reason other than the exercise of such Option, the shares of
Stock previously subject to such Option shall again be available for
distribution in connection with future awards under the Plan.

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization,
Stock dividend, Stock split or other change in corporate structure affecting the
Stock, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall make such modifications,
substitutions or adjustments as it deems necessary to reflect such change so as
to prevent the deletion or enlargement of rights, including but not limited to,
modifications, substitutions, or adjustments in the aggregate number of shares
reserved for distribution under the Plan, in the number and Option Price of
shares subject to outstanding Options granted under the Plan, and in any
limitation on the aggregate number of awards which may be granted under the
Plan, provided that the number of shares subject to any award shall always be a
whole number.

SECTION 4. Eligibility.

Only Non-employee Directors are eligible to be granted Stock Options under the
Plan.

SECTION 5. Stock Options.

Grant

Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the persons to whom Stock Options may be
granted, the number of shares to be covered by each Stock Option and the
conditions and limitations, if any, in addition to those set forth in this
Section 5, applicable to such Stock Options.  Each such award shall be confirmed
by an agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, which agreement
shall contain such provisions as the Committee determines to be necessary or
appropriate to carry out the intent of the Plan with respect to such award.
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, each award agreement shall provide
that the Option is not transferable by the Participant otherwise than by will,
by the laws of descent and distribution, or by a written designation referred to
below in this Section 5 below, and is exercisable, during the Participant's
lifetime, only by such Participant.

Option Price

The Committee shall establish the Option Price at the time each Stock Option is
granted, which price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
Stock on the date of grant. The Option Price shall be the price payable by the
Participant for a share of Stock upon the exercise of a Stock Option. The Option
Price shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of
Section 3 hereof.

Exercise

The Committee shall determine when a Stock Option shall become exercisable, and
may provide that a Stock Option is exercisable in installments, provided that no
Stock Option shall be exercisable earlier than one (1) year or later than ten
(10) years after the date of grant, except that the one (1) year limitation
shall not apply:  (a) if a Participant dies prior to one (1) year after the date
of grant; (b) if the Participant's membership on the Board of Directors
terminates for reasons other than death and the 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Committee decides in its sole discretion to waive the one (1) year limitation;
or (c) if there occurs a Change in Control.

The Option Price of each share as to which an Option is exercised shall be paid
in full at or before the time of settlement of such exercise. Such payment shall
be made in cash, or, subject to the consent of the Committee and to such
limitations as the Committee may impose, by tender of shares of unrestricted
Stock valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise, or by a
combination of cash and shares of unrestricted Stock.

In the event of death of a Participant, such Participant's Stock Options may be
exercised by the person or persons named in a written designation by the
Participant delivered to the Committee, or if there is no such approved
designation, by the executor or administrator of the Participant's estate or
such other personal representative, legatee or devisee, as may be designated in
the Participant's last will and testament; provided, however, that such exercise
must otherwise comply with the Plan and the applicable award agreement.

SECTION 6. Change in Control.

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, all outstanding Stock Options shall
become immediately vested, exercisable and nonforfeitable, and shall remain
vested, exercisable and nonforfeitable during their remaining terms.

SECTION 7. Special Rules Regarding Stock Option Exercise Period.

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the following shall apply to
awards under Section 5 of the Plan:

(a) Termination of Board Membership Because of Retirement or Disability.  If a
    -------------------------------------------------------------------       
Participant's membership on the Board of Directors terminates because of
Retirement or Disability, any Stock Option held by the Participant (whether or
not exercisable immediately prior to such termination of Board membership) may
be exercised, in whole or in part, to the extent not previously exercised, only
during the period (i) beginning on the later of (A) one year after the date of
grant of such Stock Option or (B) the date of termination of Board membership
due to Retirement or Disability; and (ii) ending on and including the earlier of
(A) the last day of the original exercise period remaining under the applicable
award agreement or (B) the third anniversary of the date of termination of Board
membership due to Retirement or Disability.

(b) Termination of Board Membership Because of Death.  If a Participant's
    ------------------------------------------------                     
membership on the Board of Directors terminates because of death, any Stock
Option held by the Participant (whether or not exercisable immediately prior to
such termination of Board membership) may be exercised, in whole or in part, to
the extent not previously exercised, only during the period (i) beginning on the
date of death; and (ii) ending on and including the earlier of (A) the last day
of the original exercise period remaining under the applicable award agreement
or (B) the third anniversary of the date of death.

(c) Death After Termination of Board Membership Because of Retirement or
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
Disability.  If a Participant dies after the Participant's membership on the
- ----------                                                                  
Board of Directors has terminated because of Retirement or Disability, any Stock
Option held by the Participant (whether or not then exercisable under Section
7(a) of the Plan) may be exercised, in whole or in part, to the extent not
previously 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
exercised, only during the period (i) beginning on the date of death; and (ii)
ending on and including the earlier of (A) the last day of the original exercise
period remaining under the applicable award agreement or (B) the third
anniversary of the date of termination of Board membership due to Retirement or
Disability.

(d) Termination of Board Membership for Reasons Other than Retirement,
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
Disability, Death or a Change in Control.  If a Participant's membership on the
- ----------- ----------------- -- -------                                       
Board of Directors terminates for any reason other than Retirement, Disability,
death or a Change in Control, the Stock Options held by such Participant, to the
extent not previously exercised, shall be forfeited at the time of such
termination of Board membership.

SECTION 8. Amendments and Termination.

The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan at any time, but no
amendment, alteration, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the
rights of a Participant under a Stock Option theretofore granted, without the
Participant's consent, or which would cause the Plan not to continue to comply
with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor to such Rule.

Subject to the above provisions, the Board shall have broad authority to amend
the Plan to take into account changes in applicable securities and tax laws and
accounting rules, as well as other developments.

SECTION 9. General Provisions.

(a) The Committee may require each person purchasing shares pursuant to a Stock
Option to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is
acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof. The certificates
for such shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to
reflect any restrictions on transfer.

All certificates for shares of Stock or other securities delivered under the
Plan shall be subject to such stock-transfer orders and other restrictions as
the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon
which the Stock is then listed, and any applicable Federal or state securities
law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such
certificates to make appropriate references to such restrictions. Except as
otherwise provided in the Plan, Participants shall have no rights as shareowners
of Stock covered by a Stock Option prior to the issuance of a Stock certificate
to such Participant.

(b) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other
or additional compensation arrangements, subject to shareowner approval if such
approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable
or applicable only in specific cases.

(c) The adoption of the Plan shall not confer any right on any person to
continue as a director of the Company, or interfere in any way with the right of
shareowners of the Company to elect or remove directors.

(d) No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the
gross income of the Participant for Federal income tax purposes with respect to
a Stock Option award under the Plan, the 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the
Company regarding the payment of, any Federal, state, local or foreign taxes of
any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such amount. Subject to
the consent of the Committee and to such limitations as the Committee may
impose, withholding obligations may be settled with Stock, including Stock that
is part of the award that gives rise to the withholding requirement. The
obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditioned on such payment
or arrangements and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the
right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
Participant.

(e) Agreements with respect to awards pursuant to the Plan may contain, in
addition to terms and conditions prescribed in the Plan, such other terms and
conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate provided such terms and
conditions are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

(f) It is the Company's intent that the Plan comply in all respects with Rule
16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and any successor rule thereto.

(g) In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for
any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of
the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or
invalid provision had not been included.

(h) The Plan and all awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed
by the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to the conflict of law
provisions of any state, and shall be construed accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effective Date and Term of Plan.

The Plan was originally adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, and
became effective as of October 22, 1998.

No Stock Option shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth
anniversary of the Effective Date of the Plan, but awards granted prior to such
tenth anniversary may extend beyond that date.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                   NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
              UNDER THE NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                October 22, 1998



[Name]

          The Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended
to assist Delta Air Lines, Inc. (the "Company") in attracting and retaining
persons of outstanding ability to serve on the Board of Directors, and to
strengthen the alignment of interests between the Board and the Company's
shareowners.  You have been selected to receive an award of a Non-Qualified
Stock Option under the Plan, effective as of October 22, 1998.

          In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and for
other good and valuable consideration, the Company and you, as a member of the
Board of Directors, hereby agree as follows:

1.  Grant of Award; Acknowledgments; Capitalized Terms.  The Company hereby
    --------------------------------------------------                     
grants to you a Non-Qualified Stock Option ("Stock Option") covering 1,000
shares (the "Option Shares") of Stock, as defined in the Plan, a copy of which
has been provided to you.  This award is in all respects made subject to the
terms and conditions of the Plan and, in the event of any conflict between the
Plan and this Agreement, the Plan shall control.  You acknowledge that you (a)
have had a full and adequate opportunity to read this Agreement and the Plan;
and (b) agree to all of the terms and conditions thereof for yourself, any
designated beneficiary and your heirs, executors, administrators or personal
representatives.  Capitalized terms which are used but not defined in this
Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

2.  Option Price.  The Option Price of the Stock Option covered by this award
    ------------                                                             
shall be $98.1875, the closing price of the Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
on October 22, 1998, the date of this award.

3.  Exercise Period - General Rule.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the
    ------------------------------                                             
Plan and this Agreement, the Stock Option (a) shall become exercisable with
respect to 25% of the Option Shares on each of October 22, 1999, 2000, 2001 and
2002; and (b) shall be exercisable through and including October 21, 2008.

4.  Special Rules Regarding Stock Option Exercise Period.  The Stock Option
    ----------------------------------------------------                   
exercise period set forth in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement is subject to the
following terms and conditions:

     a.  Termination of Board Membership Because of Retirement or Disability.
         -------------------------------------------------------------------  
If your Board membership terminates due to Retirement or Disability, the Stock
Option (whether or not then exercisable under Paragraph 3 of this Agreement) may
be exercised, in whole or in part, to the extent not previously exercised, only
during the period (i) beginning on the later of (A) October 22, 1999 or (B) the 
date your Board membership terminates due to Retirement or

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Disability; and (ii) ending on and including the earlier of (A) October 21, 2008
or (B) the third anniversary of the date your Board membership terminates due to
Retirement or Disability.

     b.  Termination of Board Membership Because of Death.  If your Board
         ------------------------------------------------                
membership terminates because of death, the Stock Option (whether or not then
exercisable under Paragraph 3 of this Agreement) may be exercised, in whole or
in part, to the extent not previously exercised, only during the period (i)
beginning on the date of your death; and (ii) ending on and including the
earlier of (A) October 21, 2008 or (B) the third anniversary of the date of your
death.

     c.  Death After Termination of Board Membership Because of Retirement or
         --------------------------------------------------------------------
Disability.  If you die after your Board membership terminates due to Retirement
- ----------                                                                      
or Disability, the Stock Option (whether or not then exercisable under Paragraph
4(a) of this Agreement) may be exercised, in whole or in part, to the extent not
previously exercised, only during the period (i) beginning on the date of your
death; and (ii) ending on and including the earlier of (A) October 21, 2008 or
(B) the third anniversary of the date your Board membership terminates due to
Retirement or Disability.

     d.  Termination of Board Membership for Reasons Other than Retirement,
         ------------------------------------------------------------------
Disability, Death or a Change in Control.  If your Board membership terminates
- ----------------------------------------                                      
for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, death or a Change in Control,
the Stock Option (whether or not then exercisable under Paragraph 3 of this
Agreement), to the extent not previously exercised, shall be forfeited at the
time of such termination of Board membership.

5.  Stock Option Exercise Procedures.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
    ------------ -------------------                                         
the Plan and this Agreement, you (or, pursuant to Paragraph 7 of this Agreement,
a party acting on your behalf after your death) may exercise the Stock Option in
whole or, from time to time, in part by way of a written notice delivered to the
Corporate Secretary of the Company which includes the following:  (i) your name,
mailing address and social security number and the date of the notice; (ii) the
number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Stock Option is being
exercised; (iii) the date of grant and the Option Price with respect to the
Stock Option being exercised; and (iv) the signature of you or a party acting on
your behalf after your death.  Payment of the full purchase price of the shares
of Stock covered by the exercise shall be made in the manner prescribed by the
Committee from time to time.  If the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall
determine that it is appropriate to do so, such payment may be made in whole or
in part by tender of shares of unrestricted Stock, as set forth in Section 5 of
the Plan, subject to such requirements or procedures as the Committee may
specify.

6.  Tax Withholding.  When the Stock Option is exercised, the Company shall make
    ---------------                                                             
the appropriate calculations under the Plan and deliver to you, as soon as
practicable, a certificate or certificates representing the net number of shares
of Stock due to you pursuant to such exercise, calculated in accordance with
this paragraph.  The Company shall withhold from the shares of Stock issued to
you a sufficient number of shares of Stock based on its fair market value on the
date of exercise to cover any amounts which the Company is required to withhold
to comply with withholding requirements of federal, state, local or foreign tax
laws, rules or regulations.  The fair market value for purposes of the second
sentence of this paragraph shall be as determined by the Committee.


                                       10
<PAGE>
 

7.  Restrictions on Transferability.  The Stock Option is not transferable
    -------------------------------                                       
otherwise than by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or by a written
designation referred to in Section 5 of the Plan, and is exercisable during your
lifetime only by you.  In the event that the Stock Option is to be exercised by
any person other than you, the written notice referred to in Paragraph 5 of this
Agreement shall be accompanied by appropriate proof of the right of such person
to exercise the Stock Option.

8.  Federal Securities Law; Company Policies. You acknowledge that the federal
    ----------------------------------------                                  
securities laws and/or the Company's policies regarding trading in its
securities may limit or restrict your right to buy or sell shares of Stock,
including, without limitation, sales of Stock to exercise the Stock Option or
sales of Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Stock Option.  You agree
to comply with such federal securities law requirements and Company policies, as
such laws and policies are amended from time to time.

9.  Miscellaneous
    -------------

          a.  Authority of the Committee.  The Committee has the sole and
              --------------------------                                 
complete authority to construe and interpret the Plan and this Agreement.  All
determinations of the Committee shall be final and conclusive for all purposes
and upon all persons.  The Committee shall be under no obligation to construe
this Agreement or treat the Stock Option in a manner consistent with the
treatment provided with respect to other Stock Options or Participants.

          b.  No Rights as Shareholder.  You will not have any rights to
              ------------------------                                  
dividends nor any other rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option
Shares until the Option Shares have been issued following a valid exercise of
the Stock Option.

          c.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the Plan constitute the
              ----------------                                             
entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and this Agreement may not be amended except by a writing signed by the
parties.

          This Agreement has been prepared in duplicate.  Please note your
acceptance in the space provided therefor and return one original to the
Corporate Secretary for the Company's records.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and you have executed this Agreement,
all as of the date first written above.

                                  DELTA AIR LINES, INC.


                                  By
                                     --------------------------------


                                  PARTICIPANT

 
                                  -----------------------------------

                                       11

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12


DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(In millions, except ratios)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Three Months    Three Months    Six Months     Six Months
                                                                           Ended           Ended          Ended          Ended
                                                                         December 31     December 31    December 31   December 31 
                                                                            1998            1997           1998           1997
                                                                       --------------  -------------- --------------  ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Earnings (loss):
          Earnings (loss) before income taxes                           $  320          $  313         $  858          $  730     
                                                                                                                                  
Add (deduct):                                                                                                                     
          Fixed charges from below                                         198             194            410             397     
          Interest capitalized                                             (12)            (10)           (22)            (18)    
                                                                       --------------  -------------- --------------  ------------
                                                                                                                                  
Earnings (loss) as adjusted                                             $  506          $  497         $1,246          $1,109     
                                                                                                                                  
Fixed charges:                                                                                                                    
          Interest expense                                              $   43          $   49         $   92          $   99     
          Portion of rental expense representative of the
            interest factor                                                155             145            318             298       
                                                                       --------------  -------------- --------------  ------------
                                                                                                                                    
Total fixed charges                                                     $  198          $  194         $  410          $  397       
                                                                                                                                    
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                                        2.56            2.56           3.04            2.79     
</TABLE> 
 

<PAGE>
 
                     [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP] 


EXHIBIT 15



To Delta Air Lines, Inc.:


We are aware that Delta Air Lines, Inc. has incorporated by reference in its
Registration Statement Nos. 2-94541, 33-30454, 33-65391, 333-16471, 333-49553,
and 333-58647 its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1998, which
includes our report dated February 5, 1999 covering the unaudited interim
financial information contained therein.  Pursuant to Regulation C of the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"), that report is not considered a part of the
Registration Statements prepared or certified by our firm or a report prepared
or certified by our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.



Arthur Andersen LLP
- ---------------------
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 5, 1999

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
DELTA AIR LINES, INC. FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE RELATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                 1,000,000
       
<S>                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                   JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                      JUL-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                        DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                      618
<SECURITIES>                                186
<RECEIVABLES>                               811
<ALLOWANCES>                                (39)
<INVENTORY>                                 189
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                          2,466
<PP&E>                                   16,550
<DEPRECIATION>                            6,273
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           14,727
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                     4,456
<BONDS>                                   1,794
                         0
                                   0
<COMMON>                                    266
<OTHER-SE>                                3,811
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>             14,727
<SALES>                                       0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                          7,250
<CGS>                                         0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                             6,378
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            (78)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                             10
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           92
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             858
<INCOME-TAX>                                338
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         520
<DISCONTINUED>                                0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               0
<CHANGES>                                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                520
<EPS-PRIMARY>                              3.54
<EPS-DILUTED>                              3.38
        

</TABLE>


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