TRANSPORTATION

Delta Blasts Rising Fees for Reservations Systems: Delta Air Lines Inc. warned that it may drop out of computer reservation systems if operators don’t lower the fees they charge the airline. The Atlanta-based carrier, which has been cutting costs for the last two years, said it has written its computer reservation vendors urging them to help Delta reduce expenses. Recent rate increases have pushed Delta’s annual costs to participate in the systems to more than $250 million, Executive Vice President Robert W. Coggin said. Delta said rates have increased by 50% over the last five years. Though Delta and other airlines rely heavily on the systems, alternatives such as online networks are emerging, a Delta spokesman said. Delta uses five networks, one of which it partly owns. That one has raised rates too but has agreed to discuss the airline’s concerns, Delta said.