With the launch of its largest-ever international expansion programme, 2006 will be a major milestone for the US airline as it seeks to revive its fortunes. Colin Ellson reports Four weeks into 2006, many New Year’s resolutions will have been blown away on the cold winds of indecision. But for Delta Air Lines, wavering isn’t an option. After recent lean years – it is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, along with American and United Airlines but intends to be out within 18 months – the airline is determined to regain its undeniable status as one of the world’s leading carriers. To this end, Delta is this year planning the largest international expansion in its history, serving more than 50 new markets from its hubs at New York JFK and Atlanta. This will make it the fastestgrowing US carrier to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America, and the largest airline across the Atlantic. Having recently launched flights to Chennai, Berlin, and Moscow, between the end of March and the beginning of June, the airline will unveil services from Atlanta to Tel Aviv, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Nice, Athens and Venice; while Budapest, Dublin/Shannon, Manchester and Kiev are to be added to the New York network. All except Manchester are subject to approval. Also up and running or raring to go are 28 new markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, among them Managua, Nicaragua; Roatan and San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. And the airline, which has served Tokyo since 1987, is looking to expand in Asia, seeking authority to fly to China. Says Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein: “Next summer’s increase in international flying is an integral part of our customer-focused transformation plan. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring Delta’s awardwinning BusinessElite service to more of our global customers.” Significantly more than the 110 million carried in 2004 on Delta and its offshoots Song, Delta Shuttle and the Delta Connection carriers plus worldwide partners if the predictions are correct. Serving 506 destinations in 93 countries, the airline is the world’s second largest in terms of passenger numbers. “Delta is taking bold steps to become America’s flag carrier and is proud to offer our customers expanded options,” says Glen Hauenstein, the airline’s chief of network and revenue management. “Our extensive wide-body fleet will permit rapid growth from both hubs as we begin to reconfigure domestic wide bodies to international service.” In addition, Delta plans to update the interiors of the entire international fleet, to introduce its improved domestic coach class on long-haul routes, to incorporate the best features of its acclaimed Song product to launch a new domestic long-haul service, and to refresh BusinessElite. Not that this isn’t already one of the better business class cabins in the sky. Its features include sleeper-style seats and 60 inches of legroom, a fine dining experience with five courses and world class wine, an enhanced inflight entertainment system, priority check in on the ground, and complimentary lounge access. Delta has also forged a partnership with Lather, the Los Angeles-based personal care company known for creating all-natural body, skin care and aromatherapy products. These will be offered to BusinessElite passengers in a Comfort Kit, in on-board washrooms, and in airport lounges, where special produced sampling are also being developed. “Lather will play a major role in helping us make our customers’ travel experience one of the most refreshing in the sky and on the ground,” says Beth Paschetto, Delta’s managing director, product management. Useful, too, for ensuring executives don’t get into a lather as they steer Delta Air Lines through one of the most momentous years in its history. What you get in BusinessElite Seat: configured in 2x2 layout, seats have a 60-inch pitch and 160 degree recline. Currently being upgraded, features include electronic controls for recline, lumbar support and legrest, six-way adjustable headrests, one-touch controls for “sleep” and 'land" positions, personal reading light, additional seat pocket storage space, laptop connectivity, and easy-to-use entertainment controls with integrated phone
Cabin amenities: Champagne and newspapers on boarding; magazines; Lather amenity kit, including Yuzu Bergamot moisturising lotion, Cucumber Ginseng Facial Mist and lip conditioning balm; large pillows and blankets
In-flight service: Ideal Performance Meals provide alternatives which balance diet and sleeping habits to suit individual needs. Five courses are served, accompanied by wines selected by well-known consultant Ken Chase. There is also an Express Classics option, allowing travellers to choose what and when they eat
In-flight entertainment: digital video on demand is soon to be introduced on all aircraft. Meanwhile, the system features a personal video screen showing new and classic films in routespecific languages, sitcoms, news and sport. There are multiple audio channels and interactive video games
On the ground: in addition to priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding, passengers have complimentary access to BusinessElite lounges in Atlanta, Cincinnati and New York JFK, plus Delta Crown Room Clubs at more than 30 locations worldwide. There are arrivals lounges at London Gatwick, New York JFK, Atlanta, Cincinnati and Los Angeles airports, and a worldwide BusinessElite Concierge programme
Frequent flyer programme: SkyMiles members earn 150% of actual mileage flown on all paid Delta business class fares. The airline is also a founder of the Skyteam global airline alliance, which allows regular travellers to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on more than 14,000 flights with fellow members and other partners
Website: www.delta.com
| 
|
