Airline To Add More Than 100 New Flights In Largest New York Expansion In Decades

Delta Air Lines late last week unveiled its schedule for its new domestic hub at New York's LaGuardia airport (KLGA), expanding its service to include more than 100 new flights and 29 new destinations. The investment will be the largest single expansion by any carrier at LaGuardia in decades, with total flights increasing by more than 60 percent, and total destinations by more than 75 percent. By summer 2012, Delta will operate 264 daily flights between LaGuardia and more than 60 cities, more than any other airline.

Delta will offer more domestic flights and seats from New York's three major airports than any other carrier, with more than 400 daily domestic departures from LaGuardia, JFK and Newark to destinations nationwide. Delta's new hub will benefit consumers across the state of New York and the Northeast with convenient new nonstop jet service to LaGuardia.

"Delta's new service will offer customers more flights, seats and travel choices than any other carrier in New York, one of the largest and most competitive aviation markets in the world," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer. "Our expanded New York schedule is a clear indication that we're making good headway with creative thinking and strategic moves to become the preferred airline for travelers flying to and from New York City."

"Today's announcement is great news for New York City and for the millions who fly here every year," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "In addition to the traveling public, this expansion will benefit the City's economy by creating both construction and permanent jobs."

The additional LaGuardia flights will be available under an agreement between Delta and US Airways to exchange takeoff and landing rights at LaGuardia and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., which was approved earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Delta closed its agreement with US Airways on Dec. 13. The transaction generated significant support from elected and community leaders in New York and Washington, D.C. The DOT concluded that the agreement will increase competition and create significant benefits for consumers. The expansion will increase passenger traffic at LaGuardia considerably, adding up to 4 million new seats annually without increasing aircraft congestion.

FMI: www.delta.com