Delta makes a move on Heathrow slots

Competition on two of the busiest transatlantic routes is set to intensify with Delta Airlines applying to run services from Heathrow to Boston and Miami, reported The Daily Telegraph.

The US carrier's move follows the regulators' decision to allow British Airways (BA) and American Airlines to operate a joint business across the Atlantic.

Delta, in turn, is now seeking permission from both the European Commission and US Department of Transportation to run twice daily flights on the Boston and Miami routes.

As a condition of being granted regulatory approval by the EU and the US, BA and American Airlines were required to surrender up to four slots to competitor airlines that were unable to secure them elsewhere.

Rival airlines were expected to make a move for the routes, especially with the aviation industry showing signs of robust recovery in recent months.

Delta, which was Gatwick-based, started operating flights from Heathrow in March 2008 following the Open Skies agreement between the EU and the US.

Should it win approval, Delta will be operating 10 services a day.

On the Boston route, Delta will find itself going head to head with BA, American and Virgin Atlantic. It will face the same rivals on the Miami route.

Miami is seen as a year-round route, especially with a large number of cruise passengers taking holidays in the Caribbean. Boston, while being the gateway to New England, also has a sizeable business market.

"Delta's new service would provide more choices and competition for customers travelling between these important US cities and London, one of the most popular destinations in Europe for both business and leisure travellers," said Glen Hauenstein, the airline's executive vice-president of network planning.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)