Delta plots growth in key markets with Haneda and Heathrow expansion

Delta Air Lines stated (17-Feb-2011) it is preparing to expand service to two key international business airports - Tokyo Haneda Airport and London Heathrow Airport - as it continues its focus on key markets for strategic growth in 2011. Details include:

• Tokyo Haneda: The carrier will commence Detroit-Tokyo Haneda and Los Angeles-Tokyo Haneda services on 19-Feb-2011. Under a multinational air service agreement, Delta only gained access to Haneda this year. With the Haneda services, Delta stated it would become the largest carrier to both of Tokyo's major airports - Haneda and Narita. The new Haneda service is part of Delta's ongoing expansion in Asia, where the airline had the strongest revenue growth of its worldwide network in 2010;
• London Heathrow: The carrier will launch service between Boston and Miami and London Heathrow on 26-Mar-2011. Under a multinational air service agreement, Delta has only been allowed to serve Heathrow since 2007. The airline has grown from no service to Heathrow in 2007 to 10 daily services from six US cities planned for summer 2011, with service from its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, New York-JFK and Minneapolis-St Paul as well as Boston and Miami. Delta is now the fastest-growing US carrier to Heathrow. [more]

Delta Air Lines: "While Delta's overall capacity growth in 2011 will be measured due to rising fuel costs and economic conditions, we're investing in high-growth and restricted markets such as Heathrow and Haneda. These are destinations with great market potential, not just for the short term but in the long term as well," Glen Hauenstein, Executive VP Network Planning, Revenue Management and Marketing. Source: Company Statement, 17-Feb-2011.