The carrier went into bankruptcy protection in September 2005.

As part of its turnaround the airline has cut almost 6,000 jobs, reduced its number of planes in the domestic market and launched new international routes.

The airline, like much of the US aviation industry, hit difficulties after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Delta has predicted a pre-tax profit of $816m (�407m) this year after a $452m loss in 2006.

'Free at last'

Under US law, Chapter 11 allows struggling American companies protection from their creditors while they restructure their finances.

It filed for bankruptcy protection in September 2005 after seeing losses of $7.5bn between 2001 and 2005. It also built up $19bn of debt in the same period.

High costs and competition, as well as the impact of 9/11 were blamed for its woes.

As part of its emergence form bankruptcy, Delta plans to issue new shares to its creditors.