Delta Air Lines envisions 2013 expansion while competitors preoccupied with mergers

Richard Anderson, chief executive of Delta Air Lines, told his worldwide staff today in a year-end letter that 2013 will be a break-away year for the carrier.

“We enter 2013 as a stronger airline, ready to continue improving our performance and executing on our key strategic initiatives,” Anderson said. “With many of our competitors still focused on significant integration or restructuring efforts, 2013 is the year for Delta to advance its position around the world.”

He is referring to American Airlines bankruptcy and its potential merger with US Airways as well as lingering integration issues at United-Continental. Delta is the world’s second largest airline, after United-Continental.