Revitalized Delta looking to international market
Where does Delta go now that it’s flown out of long-lingering bankruptcy?
Answer: work towards being a global carrier.
“There is no magic mark” or percentage of Delta’s business that will come from long-haul operations, but a 50-50 share would be no surprise,” Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein told ATWOnline in Atlanta.
“On the day that Delta Air Lines emerged from 19 months of bankruptcy protection, executives expressed confidence that the reorganized company will develop and thrive as a global carrier,” said ATW.
Starting with ATL-Prague flights, the airline plans to launch service to 13 new international destinations in the next two months alone.
More may come if Delta is able to take advantage of the new EU-US open skies agreement and acquire slots at London Heathrow for service from ATL, New York JFK and one additional US route.
Mr Grinstein said he already is negotiating with SkyTeam alliance partners about a swap for 3-6 slot pairs. “These discussions are ongoing, and we are confident we’ll be able to move this through,” he said.
This year Delta will operate 102 widebodies on international routes, and it can continue to grow its international fleet until 2011 without acquiring new equipment by transferring aircraft from domestic services.
The airline is scheduled to take delivery of two 777-200LRs early next year and four more later in 2008 or in early 2009.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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