Delta Air Lines has confirmed it expects to report profits of as much as $1.1 billion for 2011 and remain solidly profitable into 2012.

Deductions from special items could move the figure closer to $800 million the Atlanta-based carrier said in a filing today.

Delta has earned $429 million during the first nine months of 2011.

Addressing the annual investor conference in New York, Delta chief executive Richard Anderson said the carrier would be profitable in 2012 even as fuel prices remain higher than historic averages.