FLYING HIGH: Delta Air Lines reported a billion-dollar third-quarter profit and said demand is holding up well.

GAINING ALTITUDE: The results come as Delta aims to pull ahead of struggling U.S. rivals. United has stumbled while absorbing Continental. American is reorganizing under bankruptcy protection. And Southwest is still integrating AirTran — 17 months after buying the company.

FUELING GAINS: Delta has been posting per-passenger revenue gains that have been higher than other airlines, and is aiming to cut fuel costs by purchasing an oil refinery near Philadelphia.