The carrier announced a pre-tax profit for the third quarter of $2.1 billion, up from $579 million in the prior year. Total revenue fell by 1% to $11.1 billion.

Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive said the improved performance came despite continued uncertainty over fuel prices and that the airline was well placed to continue on an upward trend in December.

Passenger unit revenues fell by 4.9% and Delta said it would keep capacity flat in order to try and turn things around in the December quarter, where unit revenues are forecast to decline by 2.5-4.5%.

Ed Bastian, Delta’s president said: “As we look ahead, fuel prices remain volatile and we are not recasting the business for low fuel prices. Our plan is for 2016 capacity growth of 0-2%, which we believe is the appropriate level to balance supply and demand and to ensure the momentum in our business continues.”