Delta's Song Nearly Over

The narrow-body planes will replace wide-body aircraft Delta will redeploy as it expands its service internationally. Like other U.S. legacy carriers, Delta is controlling its domestic capacity and increasing its overseas routes, which tend to be more lucrative because they have yet to attract the amount of low-cost competition that has pressured domestic fares.

"As Delta continues its transformation to become a more customer-focused airline, we are incorporating the best of Song into the best of Delta," says Gerald Grinstein, Delta's CEO. "Our new Song service will set the standard in transcontinental travel."

Overwhelmed by high fuel costs, Delta filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. The company, which had already embarked on an ambitious transformation plan designed to boost efficiency and cut costs, hopes to use the bankruptcy process to further lower labor expenses and restructure its fleet.

Delta shares, which continue to trade but will likely be rendered worthless if and when the airline emerges from bankruptcy, traded at 70 cents Friday.