Delta benefits from strong Japanese yen
Delta Air Lines President, Edward Bastian, stated the carrier's strong Aug-2010 traffic was aided by a firm Japanese yen - the USD recently reach a 15-year low against it - which boosted travel in Asia, with the carrier's services between Tokyo and Hawaii, Guam and Saipan particularly strong (Reuters/AP/AFP/Dow Jones, 02-Sep-2010). Mr Bastian added that the strong yen was helping the carrier improve its financial results, with revenue from Asian operations increasing 30% in 2Q2010. "It has been an important contributor to our recovery from the economic recession we have seen this past year. Certainly, 84 yen to the dollar has helped us improve financial results," he said. Mr Bastian added that it was upbeat about its business and new routes in Japan, adding: "Our goal in Asia is to be the carrier of choice for both Asian as well as American customers." Delta has added 12 trans-Pacific routes since 2008, with plans to launch Tokyo Narita-Palau, Nagoya-Honolulu, Tokyo Haneda-Detroit and Tokyo Haneda-Los Angeles services in the near future.