Delta keeps select small markets through new Silver Airways partnership and adjusts LaGuardia flying

Delta Air Lines is retaining ties to a handful of some of its economically unviable smaller markets through a new partnership with Florida-based Silver Airways, which will serve the markets with 30-seat Saab 340 turboprop aircraft. Delta is partnering with the small turboprop operator after opting to shed the Saab 340s operated by its Delta Connection partner and former subsidiary Mesaba Airlines.

While one scenario does not constitute a trend, Silver Airways' ability to assume those routes could give some credence to theories offered by some industry observers that as 50-seat jets continue to become undesirable, there is a niche market for smaller turboprops.

At the same time Delta is carefully selecting small markets where it plans to retain a presence, the carrier is making some tweaks at its newly-minted LaGuardia hub. This includes service cuts to Albany in New York, Dayton in Ohio, Ottawa in Canada and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.