Delta continues expansion from US ‘Asian Gateway’
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Delta Air Lines has commenced a new service connecting the northwest US city of Seattle with Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
The service, which took off for the first time on Saturday 1 June 2013, marks the latest stage in Delta’s expansion from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which it is marketing as its new ‘Asian Gateway’.
In addition to Haneda, Delta also operates flights between Seattle and Beijing, Osaka and Tokyo Narita airports, and will plans to launch a new service to Shanghai on 16 June 2013. From Seattle, a codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines, along with Delta’s own services, means that Asian passengers can connect to 55 US cities.
“Delta’s Tokyo-Haneda flight and expanded Seattle service will significantly benefit regional customers by opening new doors for commerce with Asia,” said Bob Cortelyou, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning. “Our commitment to investing in onboard products and airport facilities, while growing service to markets in Asia and Europe, positions Delta as Seattle’s premier international airline.”
The new Haneda flight will operate daily using a Boeing 767-300ER with flat-bed seats in business class. Flights depart Seattle at 2110, arriving into Haneda at 2330 the following day. The return service leaves Tokyo at 0030 and gets back into Seattle at 1740 the previous day, having crossed the International Date Line.
In addition, Delta has now upgraded its existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita service to a B747-400 aircraft. This summer the airline will operate more than 45 daily flights to 18 global destinations from Seattle.
