Delta seeking to become world’s largest transatlantic airline

Saturday, 19 Oct, 2005 0

Bankrupt Delta Air Lines Inc is adding 11 new routes between the US and Europe/Middle East in an effort to become the world’s largest transatlantic airline.

“This is a cornerstone of the transformation plan in Delta — shifting assets to markets where we are doing well,” said Loren Neuenschwander, managing director for Delta’s Atlantic region.

Delta said the move would increase their share of international route sales from 22 to 35%.

Delta and other airlines cut back on international routes after 9-11. But analysts say international markets are more profitable because fares are higher.

The profit margin on domestic flights was down 0.8% this year, according to Back Aviation Solutions. By contrast, the most traveled international routes across the Atlantic have profits up by 5.8%.

Boeing 767-400 and 767-400 ER jets will be used on the new routes.

The 11 new routes include three already announced that linked Atlanta to Tel Aviv, Dusseldorf and Copenhagen. Eight new routes also include from Atlanta to Edinburgh, Athens, Nice and Venice. There’s also a new New York JFK route to Budapest, Dublin, Manchester and Kiev.

Delta says the move is aimed at making it “the world’s largest airline across the Atlantic.”

The company says its new routes let it eclipse competing airlines such as American British Airways and Continental.

Major airlines now offer 167 international routes, the most since 2000, according to Back Aviation, a New York consulting firm.

Most of the new service will begin next spring in time for the busy summer season.

“Next summer’s increase in international flying is an integral part of our customer-focused transportation plan,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Gerald Grinstein.

Report by David Wilkening

David

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