Airline News

Delta Air Lines will begin nonstop service between Atlanta and Belize on December 11 2004. Delta will offer customers one round-trip, nonstop flight on Saturday only between its Atlanta hub and Belize using single- class, 150-seat Boeing 737 aircraft. Delta is also increasing its service between Atlanta and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, to year- round, daily service starting Sept. 15. The airline had previously offered seasonal, Saturday-only service to the city. Located on the Caribbean coast adjacent to Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is known for its tropical forests, mountains, Mayan temples, and scuba diving. Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, and the people of Belize have protected approximately 40 percent of the country as parks and natural reserves.

Delta Air Lines and China Airlines are expanding their present code share agreement so that passengers traveling between the United States and Taiwan will have one additional gateway choice for flights between the two countries. Delta will place its code on flights offered by Delta's code share partner China Airlines between Seattle and Taipei beginning June 22, 2004.

Delta Air Lines' chief executive said on June 16 2004 it is "completely clear" the No. 3 U.S. airline cannot survive in its current form, as fare levels continue to erode despite an improving economy. Many analysts and industry experts have said Delta might have to file for bankruptcy to significantly cut costs. But CEO Gerald Grinstein said Chapter 11 would be used only if no other path were available. "While the situation is extremely serious and I cannot minimize that, the marketplace has just simply undergone a fundamental, structural and permanent change and we recognize it," he said at a transportation conference in New York. Low-cost competition in 70 percent of its markets and weak air fares have hurt Delta for a while. The financial picture worsened this year, Grinstein said. Adding to the woes are soaring jet fuel prices.

Delta Air Lines announced on June 10 2004 it has enhanced its industry- leading, comprehensive solution to serve customers during flight delays and cancellations. Effective the week of June 14 2004, the airline added the capability of automatically printing amenity vouchers from its gate readers. When events warrant, customers will be able to use one of Delta's more than 800 gate readers to retrieve itinerary receipts (which act as new boarding passes), plus vouchers for hotels and meals if needed. The result will be shorter lines and fewer of them, while allowing customers to remain in control of the travel experience.

Delta Air Lines is inviting customers to have major fun without a major investment when planning summer and fall travel. Sale fares are available from Delta's Atlanta hub and other select cities in the United States. From now until June 25 2004, customers may purchase discount travel starting as low as $55 each way. Fares are valid for travel Monday through Thursday and Saturday through Nov. 2, 2004. Fares require a seven-day advance purchase with no minimum stay requirement. Some blackout dates apply. See below for details and other important restrictions.