Merging with Northwest Airlines late in 2008, consolidation continues across their network of operations. Now the biggest commercial airline in the world, Delta Airlines have successfully come through bankruptcy and takeover attempts in recent years.
The only American carrier to fly to every inhabited continent, this huge international airline in India looks set to ride the current economic storm and come out as strong as ever. Together with Northwest and other subsidiaries in the corporation, Delta Airlines can boast a fleet of well in excess of 1100.
Independently operating 450 aircraft, their fleet is entirely made up of Boeing jets following a complete restructure of their operations throughout the last decade. With a constant renewal program in operation, the fleet statistics tend to be of an organic nature and change consistently.
With a current staff of somewhere approaching 70,000 worldwide, significant job losses have been announced recently, which could reduce this dramatically. Operations are not set to be affected, and the carrier should continue its routes to 375 destinations.
The actual figure of destinations is far higher than this when taking into consideration alliances, Northwest and subsidiaries. Daily flights in which Delta are involved number over 6500.
This international airline in India serves the country with a regular service between the US and Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport). They are due to commence another flight into Mumbai direct from Amsterdam in The Netherlands as of June 2009, replacing the route currently held by Northwest.
Levels of comfort and choice of cabin class are expectedly comprehensive at Delta Airlines. In their International Economy Class service on airplanes serving India, seats have a width range from 17 to 18 inches also have movable headrests and adjustable lumbar supports. Whilst meals and refreshments are included in the price, alcohol must be purchased for $5-7.
BusinessElite is Delta's international business class have either 18.5 or 21 inches of width and are able to recline to 160 degrees. Passengers in this cabin receive free meals and refreshments, including alcohol. Its fleet of 777s will be completely fitted with the “Contour full-flat product” by 2010.
Customer service is further available with the provision of excellent in-flight entertainment. One of the first airlines to allow WiFi connectivity on board, this is currently not available on flights to and from India. In the BusinessElite class on these services, passengers are offered live satellite television on widescreen.
Lounges and membership schemes are offered in line with most major carriers. However, being the “Official Airline of the PGA Tour”, golfing organisation in the US, some “Sky Club” lounges have the added attraction of a putting green to work on your stroke play.
An impressive website and strong “green” credentials, (being the first airline to recycle all in-flight waste from its services), are all other positives to Delta Airlines image.
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