Delta boosts international services in 2011
Delta Air Lines announced (16-Nov-2010) plans to expand its international schedule with new service to cities in Asia and Europe for spring and summer 2011, continuing its focus on markets with high demand for business travel. Delta recently affirmed that its capacity will increase between 1% and 3% in 2011, consistent with projected global economic growth, and its fleet will end this year with 91 fewer aircraft than in 2009. The international schedule includes:
- Asia:
- Delta applied to the US Department of Transportation for permission to launch non-stop five times weekly Detroit-Beijing service and a Tokyo Narita-Guangzhou, China service. The proposed service will be Delta's third non-stop route between Detroit and China, complementing existing year-round service to Shanghai and Hong Kong, expanding Delta's Asian gateway in Detroit. From its hub in Atlanta, Delta will also resume non-stop twice weekly Shangahai service. Service also will be expanded for the peak travel season between Narita and Manila, Philippines.
- Europe and Africa:
- Delta's growth across the Atlantic in 2011 will be focused at London Heathrow Airport where it recently received new slot authorities from the US and EU governments; in Iceland where it will introduce its first service to Reykjavik; at its joint venture hubs with Air France-KLM in Paris and Amsterdam where it will expand service to four US cities; and in Africa where it is adding new services to Angola.
The new and expanded international service will be operated with a mix of aircraft that reflect Delta's investment of USD2 billion in enhanced airport facilities and global products and services through 2013. When complete, Delta will offer full flat-bed seats on more than 100 trans-oceanic aircraft, including all Boeing 777s, 767s and 747s, and will feature in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and economy class customers on all widebody services. [more - Delta] [more - Pittsburgh]