Delta Air LinesWednesday’s report included a quarter-end profit and more revenue than anticipated for the third-quarter. But, it cautioned that fuel costs will continue to be a problem in 2021. This is despite a growing travel market.

According to Atlanta’s airline, revenue will recover in the final three months of 2019, to just less than three quarters of $11.4 billion that it earned in the first quarter of 2019. This is how the airline performed in comparison to average analyst estimates, compiled by Refinitiv.

• Shares adjusted earnings 30 cents versus 17 cents expected.

• Revenue $9.15 billion versus $8.4 billion expected.

Delta’s third quarter profit was $1.2 billion with a revenue of $9.15billion, surpassing analysts’ expectation of $8.4billion. Although its profit fell 19% over 2019, it was still its first quarter without federal pandemic assistance. Delta and other airlines are providing comparisons with 2019, prior to the pandemic.

As it continues to increase its flying, the carrier stated that it anticipates fuel prices to go up 6% to 8 percent in the fourth quarter. Delta claimed it would fly 80 percent of its 2019 capacity, a significant increase on 71%.

According to the company, fuel prices are expected to increase to $2.25 to 2.40 from $1.97 per gallon during the third quarter.

According to an earnings release by Delta, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta said that while demand is improving, recent increases in fuel costs will affect our ability remain profitable in the December quarter. “As recovery proceeds, I’m confident in our path towards sustained profitability as we provide top-of-the-line service to our clients, increase preference for our brand and create a simpler, less efficient airline.