CINCINNATI, March 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Delta AirElite continues to expand its long range business jet fleet with the addition of another large cabin late-model aircraft, a Gulfstream GIV-SP based in San Jose, Calif. The aircraft, which will be operated under Delta AirElite's FAR Part 135 operating certificate, is being added as demand for long range charter and Fleet Membership flying continues to grow. The GIV-SP has been a popular aircraft with customers, offering a spacious cabin designed for ultimate passenger comfort.
"We've seen an increase in demand for international flights, and this additional GIV-SP will help us serve these customers," said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive officer of Delta AirElite Business Jets. "This GIV-SP complements our operated fleet of late-model large cabin aircraft, which is one of the largest in the industry."
This aircraft has a unique cabin configuration, which includes two berthable divans, making it ideal for international and transcontinental trips. The 16-passenger GIV-SP offers a range up to 4,900 miles at 530 mph and the cabin is outfitted with a wide range of entertainment and communication amenities.
Delta AirElite continues to offer customers one of the most diverse business jet fleets in the industry. The company offers a wide variety of light, midsize and large cabin business jets available for charter and Fleet Membership flying. This latest GIV-SP complements the company's fleet of aircraft based in the Western U.S.
With access to more than 500 business jets positioned throughout the United States, Delta AirElite is strategically increasing its aircraft availability through charter management agreements. The agreements allow Delta AirElite to add aircraft to its operating certificate without large capital commitments and offer on-demand charter and Fleet Membership services on a broad base of high-quality, well-maintained corporate jets. Charter management agreements are also an attractive option for corporations and aircraft owners who want to lower aircraft ownership costs and generate revenue by having their corporate jets certified for Delta AirElite's charter operations. The additional aircraft also supports member travel for Delta AirElite's Fleet Membership program.
Delta AirElite Business Jets is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, providing aircraft charter, aircraft management and its innovative Fleet Membership and Flexjet 25 jet card programs. With more than 23 years of serving business aviation travelers, Delta AirElite is the only business jet operator owned by a major U.S. airline. The company operates a diverse fleet of Bombardier Challenger, Learjet, Gulfstream, Hawker and Cessna aircraft.
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