DELTA AIR LINES, the world's second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried and also the US airline with the most transatlantic destinations, is to launch a so-called ”low fares” subsidiary in 2003
Out goes Delta Express and in comes a new one class unit within the airline with an internal cost structure aimed to be 20% per seat mile less than Delta”s full service operation.
A 70% direct booking target has been set and the new division will operate a fleet of 36 Rolls-Royce powered Boeing 757 aircraft.
Initially, Delta's new low-fare product will focus on Delta's Northeast and Florida markets, including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York and Orlando.
After establishing its presence with customers on these routes, the subsidiary will expand to support Delta with cost-competitive services in key hubs or other destinations across its US network.
www.delta.com