Delta Air Lines

Routes analyzes some of the services returning as well as new routes being launched. This week we look at ZIPAIR Tokyo’s second passenger service; the latest connection planned between Seattle and London Heathrow; and a new leisure destination joining airBaltic’s network.

CEO Scott Kirby has confirmed the airline plans to return to New York John F Kennedy next year and compete aggressively on routes to the US West Coast.

Delta Air Lines will defer $5 billion in expected deliveries through 2022, after reaching an agreement with Airbus to delay the arrival of 77 new airliners.

American passengers will be able to transfer to China Southern Airlines flights at the new Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Delta Air Lines announced tentative plans to introduce the Airbus A220-300 into scheduled service beginning in November, setting it up to become the first airline in the U.S. to operate the stretched variant of the smaller A220-100.

Delta Air Lines will retire its Boeing 717s by the end of 2025 and speed up planned removals of its 767-300s and Bombardier CRJ-200s, parking the remainder of those-in service fleets by the end of 2025 and 2023, respectively.

A weekly round-up of the latest news from the aviation industry as airlines and airports seek to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

Recovery from pandemic will 'be choppy,' CFO of rival Delta says.

Delta Air Lines will delay plans to furlough nearly 2,000 pilots until Nov. 1, as talks between management and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) continue over proposed cost-cutting measures.

The airlines are still seeking US government approval for the full JV.

Delta Air Lines will seek to raise $9 billion in debt backed by its SkyMiles frequent-flier program, amounting to a nearly 40% increase from previous plans to raise $6.5 billion.

The Salt Lake City (Utah) Department of Airports and Delta Air Lines forged ahead this week with the opening of a revamped Salt Lake City International (SLC) despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delta Air Lines is the airport’s primary tenant and will use 25 gates at the newly built terminal.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian pledged that flight attendants and ground staff will completely avoid involuntary furloughs this fall, although cuts remain on the table for nearly 2,000 pilots.

Virgin Australia will focus on domestic and short-haul international flying for the time being.

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Australia have officially paused their transpacific joint venture, while the latter regroups after the COVID-19 crisis forced it to seek voluntary administration.

Southwest is expanding its route network with the addition of two new domestic leisure destinations.

Spirit Airlines is expanding in the Los Angeles area with the addition of John Wayne Airport to its route map.

American Airlines plans to serve Shanghai daily from Seattle as it further builds its long-haul network from the West Coast US city.

The ULCC’s pilots agree to work fewer hours to save jobs.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have told employees that more staff cuts are needed to match operations with the significantly reduced demand environment heading into the winter season, putting pressure on U.S. lawmakers to extend financial support.

Delta Air Lines COO Gil West, who played an instrumental role in integrating Northwest Airlines and cementing Delta’s position as arguably the most operationally reliable airline in its class, announced his retirement.

The move contrasts with rivals American and United, which are booking flights to capacity if possible.

More routes are returning to Delta Air Lines’ long-haul network during the upcoming winter and summer seasons, but some destinations like Mumbai and Osaka are not currently scheduled to resume.

Delta Air Lines will continue blocking off its middle seats through the end of the year, while increasing the maximum number of passengers allowed on each flight.