(Reuters) - Delta Air Lines beat Wall Street analysts' expectations, with a quarterly profit of $1.20 per share, versus an anticipated $1.18.

Overall quarterly profit fell 74 percent to $357 million, partly due to a jump in operating expenses, including the elimination of debt.

Operating revenue increased 6.6 percent rise to $11.18 billion in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, helped by strong U.S. business and leisure travel.

Traffic increased 3.7 percent.

Read more: Delta Airlines Profits Tumbles - Business Insider