Delta Adds Non-Stop Service Between Sioux Falls and Atlanta

Sioux Falls customers now have access to one-stop connections to the globe at the world's largest airport


ATLANTA, May 15, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Delta Air Lines will begin new nonstop daily service between Sioux Falls, S.D. and its largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this summer. Effective Aug. 7, Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines will offer customers one daily round-trip flight between the two cities featuring the quiet and comfortable Bombardier CRJ200 jet aircraft. Sioux Falls is the 14th domestic destination added from Atlanta since last fall, as part of a continuing effort to improve and increase service levels to and from Atlanta.

"Delta is pleased to expand service to Sioux Falls, a city of great natural beauty and an important gateway to the plains," said Bob Cortelyou, Delta's vice president of Network Planning. "The reach and convenience of our Atlanta hub will make it easier for Sioux Falls area customers to reach most any point on the globe, whether their final destination is Atlanta or Athens."

In 2006 Delta is continuing to aggressively transform its network to expand into new or underserved markets to bring its customers one-stop access to the world. The new flights will connect customers to nearly 200 worldwide destinations via Atlanta and supplement existing year-round service offered from Delta's Cincinnati hub, as well as new service to Delta's Salt Lake City hub, scheduled to begin June 8.

"I was pleased to receive the news today that Delta will provide a nonstop flight in and out of Sioux Falls from Atlanta. As Sioux Falls continues to grow, and people continue to travel to South Dakota for business and pleasure, this flight will significantly benefit our economy," said U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD).

"Expanded air service in South Dakota is a vital component to economic development and an exciting enhancement for residents utilizing the Sioux Falls airport," said Senator John Thune (R-SD). "Delta's new service to Atlanta opens up another region of the country to direct service and service to their largest hub."

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) said, "This new service from Delta Air Lines will greatly improve options for South Dakotans' travel to the southeastern United States. I am pleased that families in and around Sioux Falls will have not only enhanced travel options, but also increased competition in airfares. This decision demonstrates that Sioux Falls is a growing commercial center and regional economic hub."

Customers may purchase tickets on the new flights beginning today at delta.com. Flights are scheduled as follows:



 Delta's new non-stop service between Sioux Falls, South Dakota and
 Atlanta effective August 7, 2006

 Flight            Departs                        Arrives

 4668         Atlanta at 10:30 a.m.       Sioux Falls at 12:05 p.m.
 4668         Sioux Falls at 12:30 p.m.   Atlanta at 4:20 p.m.

Delta's flagship hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's largest airline hub. With its summer 2006 schedule, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers will offer more than 1,000 peak-day departures to nearly 230 non-stop destinations from Atlanta -- more non-stop flights and destinations than any airline hub in the world. Delta's Atlanta hub is the fastest growing international gateway in the United States, with more than 25 new international markets announced since September 2005. Delta also continues to expand the number of domestic destinations it serves from Atlanta, including more than 20 new non-stop destinations added or announced since September 2005. This December, Delta will make history in Atlanta again as it enters a new continent from the hub for the first time since 1997 with new service to Dakar, Senegal and Johannesburg, South Africa (via Dakar) (subject to foreign government approvals).

Delta Air Lines (Other OTC:DALRQ) is one of the world's fastest growing international carriers with more than 50 new international routes added or announced in the last year. Delta offers flights to 447 destinations in 96 countries on Delta, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers and its worldwide partners. In summer 2006, Delta plans to offer customers more destinations and departures between the U.S., Europe, India and Israel than any global airline (see Note), including service on 11 new transatlantic routes from its Atlanta and New York-JFK hubs. Delta also is a major carrier to Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean, with nearly 40 routes announced, added or applied to serve since Jan. 1, 2005. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Note: From the U.S., based on July 2006 OAG.

A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on the Delta Connection carriers: Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Comair and SkyWest Airlines.

The Delta logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1825



            

Contact Data