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Delta to expand reach in Africa, says Ed Bastian

Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Officer, Ed Bastian has described the carrier as the biggest United States carrier in Africa with many connections, explaining that the airline was poised to extend its network in the continent with its codeshare partner, Kenya Airways.

Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein, CEO, Ed Bastian and E.V.P. External Affairs Peter Carter at the briefing at St. Regis Hotel, Dubai

Speaking at a media briefing with journalists from Africa, the Middle East, North America and Europe shortly before the  International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bastian who came to the media briefing with Delta Air Lines President, Glen Hauenstein and Executive Vice-President, External Affairs of the airline, Peter Carter stated that the carrier’s footprint in the continent was a huge testament and a recognition of all the hard work, dedication and success.

In addition to Delta’s evolving brand experiences, the airline has been consistently recognised for its operational reliability – reflecting the airline’s operational complexity and the exemplary work of Delta people to achieve on-time performance while limiting the impact of disruption to its customers.

Kenya Airways and Delta Air Lines on August 2023 announced an expansion of their strategic partnership with the inclusion of Kenya Airways’ nonstop Nairobi to New York operated service, effective 5th August 2023. KQ currently operates a daily service connecting Nairobi to New York, it is the only nonstop flight from East Africa to America.

The expanded partnership also offers customers additional travel options within the U.S. and increased flying opportunities within Africa increasing customers’ travel options to more than 31 destinations in Africa and 57 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

Speaking further, the carrier’s chiefs forecast record high second-quarter revenue thanks to buoyant demand for spring and summer travel.

“Summer’s progressing strongly and demand is quite healthy. Demand is growing faster internationally than it is domestically, and Delta is very well positioned to take advantage of that with its partners,” Bastian added.

Delta says consumers are spending on experiences with travel a top priority after the pandemic.

Demand is particularly strong for premium travel, benefiting carriers like Delta.

“We have seen continued strength through the spring to early summer … our international business is quite strong,” Delta President Glen Hauenstein said.

Bastian said Delta is “encouraged” by steps Boeing is taking with management changes and other adjustments at the company.

“I’m confident we will see improvement,” Bastian said, adding Delta was still committed to its order for Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets.

Delta currently does not fly any version of the Boeing MAX but has MAX 10s on order for delivery next year.

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