Delta Airlines says it will remain cautious with its business plan going forward in a shaky economy. That statement comes in the wake of a net quarterly-loss triple that of a year ago.

The net loss of $161 million for Delta Airlines over the past three months dwarfs the loss of $50 million only one year ago. Delta and other major airlines were stung by weak demand, in what traditionally is a busy summer season within the 3rd-quarter of the year.

The Atlanta-based carrier says for the foreseeable future it will have to operate conservatively in an uncertain economic climate. Delta says it will now have to cut system capacity by three-percent next year. And looking ahead to next summer season, the airline plans to adjust routes, the number of flights and sizes of planes it uses.

Meanwhile, Delta officials say everything is on-track concerning its merger with Northwest. It expects to get a single operating certificate from the FAA by the end of the year.

Tags: economy, Atlanta, Delta Airlines, financial losses, earnings