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Delta’s First New LaGuardia Concourse to Open this Fall

  • New renderings showcase light-filled, environmentally sustainable concourse offering views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay.
  • New York favorites Birch Coffee, H&H Bagels and Juice Press among featured dining options from OTG.
  • Construction to date features 2,000 tons of steel, 50,000+ cubic yards of concrete, 40+ miles of piping, cabling and other infrastructure.

As summer begins, Delta teams are already looking ahead to the fall – and to celebrating the next major milestone in the airline’s history of investment in New York and at LaGuardia Airport.

The first of four concourses that will comprise Delta’s new state-of-the-art terminal at LGA is scheduled to open this fall, furthering the airline’s commitment to enhancing the New York customer experience from ground to air. The spacious 105,000-square-foot concourse will feature floor-to-ceiling views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay, gates that can accommodate a range of aircraft types, and dining options from favorite New York chefs and eateries.

“The historic infrastructure project underway at LaGuardia is a significant component of the more than $12 billion Delta is currently investing in airport redevelopment efforts around the country,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Our customers and employees are excited to see the LaGuardia of the future more fully come into view. Many thanks to everyone who has been working hard to launch an exciting new era for Delta in New York.”

“This new milestone in LaGuardia’s transformation brings us another step closer in converting the airport into a superb flight hub in line with New York standards,” said New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “Our collaboration with Delta in the development of this concourse and their new LaGuardia terminal is another demonstration of the effectives of public-private partnerships at work to modernize our state’s infrastructure.”

Delta operates more than 275 peak-day departures from its LGA hub and began construction of a $3.9 billion replacement of Terminals C and D in 2017, building on the airline’s extensive investment in New York airports over the past decade. When complete, the new terminal will feature 37 gates across four concourses connected by a centralized check-in lobby, security checkpoint, and baggage claim; dual taxiways that will help reduce hold outs and taxi times; a new, larger Delta Sky Club with a Sky Deck; larger gate areas and more concessions space; and more efficient airport roadways.

The large airport infrastructure project supports the significant investments Delta has also made in the skies to provide more consistency, comfort and convenience on flights to and from New York. The airline has added thousands more flights on new aircraft in the market and offers more seatback entertainment and more first class seats than any other airline out of New York City.

New dining options highlight star-powered chefs, favorite flavors of New York

Delta has again partnered with airport hospitality group OTG to bring chef-driven dining options and authentic local flavors to the new concourse. Chef Mark Iacono of Brooklyn’s Lucali consulted on Rossi Pizzeria, a Neapolitan-style pizza and calzone concept; and chefs Jess Shadbolt and Clare de Boer of King Restaurant in Soho consulted on Flatiron Tavern & Provisions, a contemporary tavern that will feature chops, burgers and fresh fish. OTG will also be introducing New York favorites Birch Coffee, H&H Bagels and Juice Press. To ensure dining offerings are relevant throughout the day, the H&H Bagels outpost – available in the morning – will transition to Rossi Pizzeria in the afternoon and evening. Each of the full-service concepts will place power outlets and USB ports at every seat, along with tablets allowing customers to track their flight, browse the web, play games, and order food, drinks and amenities.

“OTG is thrilled to have partnered on such an important project for Delta, its customers and employees, and really the city of New York,” said Rick Blatstein, OTG CEO. “The dining options we’re introducing at these dynamic concepts reflect the best of what’s available in our city, offering Delta’s LaGuardia customers the flavors we love and appreciate as New Yorkers.”

Meanwhile, Stellar Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HMSHost, will design retail options for the new facility that provide a wide selection of travel essentials.

“We are very pleased to be part of Delta’s elevated and differentiated concessions program at LaGuardia Airport,” said Padraig Drennan, Stellar President & CEO. “This is truly a visionary program that will change the airport experience for New Yorkers and visitors to the city, and we could not be more excited to partner with Delta in making this vision a reality.”

Concourse construction, highlighted by unique and sustainable attributes, enters final phase

As final preparations continue for the opening of the new concourse, Delta teams recently installed passenger boarding bridges at the gates and energized the facility with permanent power. They’ve also been paving the aircraft ramp areas, testing building systems, and constructing the temporary pedestrian walkway that will connect the new concourse to Delta’s existing Terminal D. The security checkpoint in Terminal D will expand to support both concourses until the centralized check-in lobby opens in late 2021.

The new facility features a 12-megawatt Con Edison substation, which is integrated into the upper level of the concourse, providing power for the new terminal. Additionally, all major electrical and mechanical equipment is housed on the upper level to protect such systems from water damage in the event of a major storm. The concourse also features an ice-generation system that reduces electrical consumption at times of peak demand by creating ice at night, when energy demand is lower, and using it to cool the building during the day.

The opening of Delta’s first new gates represents another step forward in the comprehensive $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport announced by Governor Cuomo in 2015. Under the governor’s plan, old facilities are being demolished only as new facilities are completed, enabling the airport – which services 30 million passengers each year – to remain fully operational as the multi-phased construction project continues. To date, Delta’s construction features 2,000 tons of steel, more than 50,000 cubic yards of concrete, and more than 40 miles of piping, cabling and other infrastructure.

Delta has invested more than $7 billion in airport projects since 2006, and along with its airport partners, will be involved in an additional $12 billion worth of facilities infrastructure projects in coming years, including improvements in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle.​

Delta Equity Investment Deepens Ties With Partner Korean Air

  • Korean Air joint venture provides a strong platform for Delta growth, world-class customer benefits and revenue generation across one of the most comprehensive route networks in the trans-Pacific.
  • Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent equity stake in Hanjin-KAL.

Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent equity stake in Hanjin-KAL, the largest shareholder of Korean Air. The investment demonstrates Delta’s commitment to the success of its joint venture with Korean Air and the customer benefits, market positioning and growth opportunities the partnership enables. Delta intends to increase its equity stake to 10 percent over time, after receiving regulatory approval. 

“Together with the team at Korean Air, we have a vision to deliver the world’s leading trans-Pacific joint venture for our shared customers, offering the strongest network, the best service and the finest experience connecting the U.S. with Asia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “This is already one of our fastest-integrating and most successful partnerships, and experience tells us this investment will further strengthen our relationship as we continue to build on the value of the joint venture.”

Delta and Korean Air operate the industry’s most robust trans-Pacific joint venture, providing customers with seamless access to more than 290 destinations in the U.S. and over 80 destinations in Asia, including the partnership’s award-winning hub at Seoul-Incheon (ICN). 

Since launching in May 2018, Delta and Korean Air have strengthened cooperation by expanding joint operations in the trans-Pacific to include more than 1,400 codeshare flights, including connections throughout Asia and the U.S. Teams at both airlines have also worked closely together to provide the best travel experience for customers between the U.S. and Asia, integrate sales and marketing activities, and enhance loyalty program benefits, such as the ability to earn more miles on both loyalty programs and redeem them on a wider range of flights. Additionally, Korean Air and Delta have launched cargo cooperation across one of the most comprehensive route networks in the trans-Pacific market.

The partnership is contributing to Delta’s first year-over-year growth in the Asia Pacific region since 2012, with new service launched earlier this year between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seoul, as well as Seattle and Osaka, operated in partnership with Korean Air. Additionally, Korean Air has launched new service linking Boston with Seoul.

The joint venture builds on nearly two decades of close partnership between Korean Air and Delta, both founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance.

Delta is growing its international footprint and leveraging partnerships with key airlines in regions around the world, including through joint ventures and equity investments. These investments improve alignment between Delta and its partners, creating a more stable environment for growth amid an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Delta Expands A220 Order Book by 5 Aircraft to 95 total

Delta and Airbus announced Tuesday that Delta has agreed to expand its Airbus A220 order book by five aircraft to a total of 95.

Delta now expects to take delivery of 45 A220-100s and 50 A220-300s during the next four years, with the first -300 variant expected in 2020 coming from Airbus’s Mobile, Alabama final assembly line.

This week, Delta began flying the amenity-rich A220 from its Seattle hub, and will offer as many as 74 daily departures from 10 airports this summer.

In a separate arrangement, Airbus and Delta have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for Delta TechOps to provide A220 component repair and material services for Airbus’ A220 Flight Hour Services maintenance-by-the-hour program. This strategic partnership will allow Airbus to further enhance its successful Flight Hour Services program for the A220 by building on Delta Tech Ops’ proven component repair and management capabilities and on Airbus’ expertise in maintenance engineering, inventory management and innovative services solutions.

As the largest aviation maintenance group in North America, Delta TechOps highly skilled workforce of over 10,000 technicians, engineers and other support employees provide full-service maintenance to more than 850 Delta aircraft and their engines as well as maintenance services to more than 150 other operators, cargo operators and the Military & Government, through the airline’s MRO business.

Amtrak Customers Celebrate 90 Years of Empire Builder Service

Commemorative merchandise now available

CHICAGO – Amtrak today marked the 90th anniversary of the Empire Builder, which travels across the country’s northern tier, allowing customers to experience the grandeur of the Mississippi River Valley, Great Plains, Rockies and the Cascade Range. Daily service between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest provides a vital intercity travel option connecting more than 40 communities in eight states.

Sleeping car customers received wooden train whistles from Amtrak Guest Rewards and all customers departing Chicago received commemorative certificates signed by Amtrak President & CEO Richard Anderson. Prints of a new Empire Builder painting by railroad artist J. Craig Thorpe are available in the Amtrak store and, for a limited time, other items to recognize the anniversary of the service are also available from Amtrak.

Inaugurated by the Great Northern Railway (GN), the first westbound Empire Builder departed Chicago on the evening of June 10, 1929, but it was christened the next day in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the GN had its headquarters and where its mainline to Seattle began. The premier service was named for James J. Hill–the “Empire Builder,” who in the late 19th century founded what became the GN.

The GN and three railroads merged in 1970 to form the Burlington Northern, which continued to operate the Empire Builder until May 1, 1971, when newly-formed Amtrak took it over and changed the route to include Milwaukee by using what is now the Canadian Pacific Railway between Chicago and St. Paul. In October 1979, it became the first overnight train to be assigned bi-level Superliner® railcars, setting a higher travel standard that continues today.

Last year, 428,854 customers rode the Amtrak Empire Builder, Trains 7/27 & 8/28.

Delta & Aeromexico Celebrate Second Year of Key Partnership

Story by Sarah Lora

The two airlines have jointly transported more than 14.4 million passengers since the Joint Cooperation Agreement launched.

  • Highlights include introducing eight new routes and two new joint destinations in Mexico, strengthening the network’s power in the transborder market.
  • Airlines have eliminated 80% percent of the differences in service and standardized processes to create a seamless travel experience.

Since Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico departed together on a journey to pioneer the first transborder airline alliance between the U.S. and Mexico, more than 14.4 million passengers have benefitted from the carriers’ integration during the last two years.

Today, Delta and Aeromexico jointly offer more than 1,100 weekly flights on 64 routes between 11 cities in Mexico and 33 in the U.S. The Joint Cooperation Agreement has launched eight new routes and two new joint destinations in Mexico, and allowed terminal co-location in 12 airports in the U.S., 10 of which are Delta hubs, and three Aeromexico hubs in Mexico.

As seamless as checking in at a Delta terminal and boarding an Aeromexico plane, “our goal is creating a familiar travel experience with standards that are common across Delta and Aeromexico. This partnership and the integration of both airlines allow us to offer a more powerful network, more benefits and standard policies, which result in a seamless service,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s Vice President— Latin America and Alliances Americas.

True to its word, the JCA has so far eliminated 80% of the differences in services and has standardized many processes, such as purchasing tickets online or benefitting from loyalty programs. On board, customers will find uniformity on Delta and Aeromexico cabins, seat selection and checked and carry-on baggage policies; parallel access to Gogo’s WiFi portal and free text messaging; as well as having Spanish-speaking crew members on all transborder flights.

“Although the integration of commercial processes, products, airports and sales teams has been a great challenge, communicating with a cohesive voice has facilitated that assimilation. While Delta and Aeromexico have distinct and unique looks, we respect each other and share the same vision: to provide the best of each to our customers,” said Paul Verhagen, Aeromexico’s Senior Vice President – International Sales.

Providing the best isn’t limited to the airport experience. From sponsoring the Mexican National Soccer Team to the Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions in Miami, L.A. and Mexico City, Delta and Aeromexico are committed to supporting the communities they serve. The airlines aim to foster unity, diversity and to uphold corporate values through their sponsorships of a variety of sporting and cultural events in both Mexico and the United States.

“Such a historic alliance between two iconic airlines is about making travel between the two carriers easier for customers. By working together, we have shared and applied best practices and business solutions, bringing our individual strengths into the partnership,” added Ferri.

Delta and Aeromexico sales professionals have formed a fully integrated sales team dedicated to promoting both operators in the U.S. and Mexican markets. Routes have been increasingly added throughout the two years under the JCA, strengthening the power of the network in the transborder market.

Customers from Atlanta can enjoy nonstop access to nine cities in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The JCA also operates direct flights from New York, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Los Angeles to multiple business and leisure points in Mexico.

Connectivity is crucial to driving business and boosting the economy of both countries, while offering customers the possibility of discovering new experiences through Delta and Aeromexico’s distinctive service in the coming years.​

Newest Delta Sky Club Evokes Eclectic Austin

The new Delta Sky Club is the latest investment Delta is making for Austin travelers.

​Just in time for summer travel, the newest Delta Sky Club and first at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will open for business on May 21.

“Building on our unmatched operational excellence, award-winning customer service and the ability to easily connect to cities around the globe, the first Delta Sky Club at Austin will give business and leisure travelers yet another best-in-class offering to enjoy,” said Erik Snell, Delta’s Senior Vice President — Operations & Customer Center, who first shared the news of the new Club during a visit to the Austin Chamber of Commerce last year.

On the mezzanine level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, this 9,000 sq. ft. Delta Sky Club conveniently located near the Delta gates features:

• Covered Sky Deck, an outdoor patio that can be enjoyed year-round.
• Full-service bar that includes seasonal cocktails and wine,
selected by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, which
will be stored in a temperature-controlled custom glass tower,
along with the Agave Experience — an extensive selection of tequila
and mezcal that can be sampled in individual pours or tasting
flights — on the premium bar menu.
• Beer to try from around Texas, like Thirsty Planet Thirsty Goat,
Hi Sign Violet the Blueberry Blonde and Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower,
and rotating, seasonal food offerings inspired by the region, like
handcrafted tacos and barbecue dishes.
• Unique, eclectic interior style inspired by Austin with warm walnut
surfaces, metal finishes and rich fabrics.
• Select artwork from well-known and up-and-coming artists with
connections to Texas.
• Comfortable seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets at
nearly every seat.

“We’ve put care into every detail — from the curated, local artwork to the Club design to the seasonal food and beverage offerings,” said Claude Roussel, Managing Director — Delta Sky Club. “We look forward to welcoming guests traveling through Austin — they will be wowed by the experience and incredible service.”

The new Delta Sky Club is the latest investment Delta is making for Austin travelers. Delta offers 28 peak-day departures with nonstop service to all of its U.S. hubs, including three daily flights to both Los Angeles and New York City, easily connecting customers to the airline’s global network of more than 300 destinations. Delta also offers nonstop daily service to other key Austin destinations including Boston and Raleigh. In addition, Delta has hosted a “festival shuttle” from Los Angeles to the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals for the past five years, offering a curated travel experience to tech and entertainment leaders traveling to Austin. And, the airline continues to invest in the local workforce, recently insourcing dozens of airport operations jobs.

As a part of a long-term effort to expand the award-winning Delta Sky Club experience across the network, later this year Delta will debut a new Club at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and several upgrades like more, comfortable seating and a completely redesigned food and bar experience at the John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 Club. Salt Lake International Airport will also see a new, nearly 28,000-square-foot Club in 2020 and Los Angeles International Airport will see a new Club in 2021 — both of which will feature a Sky Deck and breath-taking views. Over the past several years, Delta also opened a new Club at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and a refreshed Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along with a new award-winning flagship clubs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Season’s First Wild Copper River Salmon Arrives in Seattle

SEATTLE, May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — About 18,000 pounds of fresh Copper River salmon arrived on a fish-filled Alaska Airlines plane touching down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 6:30 a.m. Today officially marks the start of the salmon season that is anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. By noon, Alaska Air Cargo is expected to deliver a total of 50,000 pounds of Copper River salmon to the Lower 48 with more scheduled on later flights.

Alaska Airlines pilots hold up the first Copper River Salmon upon arrival in Seattle

Click the link for the full story! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alaska-air-cargo-brings-seasons-170900746.html

EL AL & Alaska Airlines Expand Global Partnership

With the inaugural EL AL flight between Tel Aviv and San Francisco, EL AL and Alaska Airlines signed an expanded global partnership allowing their members to more easily connect and earn miles.

TEL AVIV, Israel and SEATTLE, May 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — EL AL Israel Airlines and Alaska Airlines today expanded their commercial relationship to include a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement. The agreement was signed by the CEOs of each airline at a ceremony soon after the arrival of the first EL AL flight from Tel Aviv to San Francisco and was attended by San Francisco Bay Area dignitaries and civic leaders. This agreement is in addition to the codeshare agreement that recently came into effect between the airlines allowing EL AL to place its “LY” code on various Alaska Airlines “AS” flights in the U.S.

The codeshare agreement which has been available for sale as of April 28th for flights as of May 5th includes flights from Newark, Los Angeles and now San Francisco onto a host of Alaska Airlines flights. From San Francisco, EL AL will place its code on flights to Seattle; San Diego; Portland, Oregon; Honolulu; Los Angeles; Palm Springs, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; Dallas (DAL); Santa Ana, California, Everett, Washington, Kansas City, Missouri; Salt Lake City; Kona, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Upon regulatory approval, will also include flights to various points in Mexico.

With the EL AL and Alaska Airlines partnership, customers will be able to continue their journey to and from North America and Israel with connections on both airlines, in either direction. Both airlines will offer the opportunity for their members to earn miles while flying with the partner airline. Base miles flown on EL AL will also count toward elite status in Alaska’s Mileage Plan program. Additionally, EL AL travelers will be able to redeem their EL AL Matmid miles to book on Alaska flights in the future.

“This is truly a historic day for EL AL,” said EL AL CEO Gonen Usishkin. “Aside from the fact that EL AL is linking the two high-tech centers with the new three times weekly flights, we are providing the full options for our customers with the codeshare and frequent flyer agreements with Alaska Airlines,” he emphasized. “Alaska Airlines was instrumental in helping bring Jews to Israel in the early years of the state, helping to build our country and now as we celebrate 70 years of those historic flights, continue to be a key player along with EL AL in building the bridges between America and Israel.”

“Alaska Airlines and EL AL will now offer more opportunities than ever before for travelers to fly nonstop between the West Coast and Tel Aviv. Through our partnership, both EL AL and Alaska Airlines offer frequent flyer benefits to our guests while sharing the genuine, caring service that is at the heart of both of our airlines,” said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines offers an option to go global differently with hand-picked partners, and Mileage Plan miles can be used at home with Alaska or with Alaska Global Partners. With the EL AL partnership, Alaska Airlines’ international connectivity out of SFO is stronger than ever; by June 2019, Alaska’s Global Partners will offer more than 80 flights per week out of San Francisco.

The EL AL flights will operate three times weekly flying a state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner, offering Business, Premium and Economy service. The flights from Tel Aviv will depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 0105 and arrive in San Francisco on the same day at 0600 for a flight time just under 15 hours. The flights from San Francisco to Tel Aviv will operate on Monday and Wednesday departing at 2000 for arrival the next day at 1940 and on Saturday night with a 2245 departure arriving in Tel Aviv at 2225 the next day for a flying time of just over 13 and a half hours.

About EL AL Israel Airlines

EL AL Israel Airlines, Israel’s national airline, established in 1948, offers more nonstop flights than any other airline to/from Israel. EL AL currently flies to 36 destinations from Israel, serves hundreds of other destinations throughout the world via codeshare, and interline partnerships. EL AL offers a full Boeing fleet and began renewing its fleet as of September 2017 with the arrival of the first of its sixteen 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Soon to be new routes will include Las Vegas, Chicago and Orlando (summer seasonal flights only) in the USA. In 2017 EL AL flew over 5.6 million passengers. EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and caring and is known for its genuine Israeli hospitality. Learn more about EL AL at: www.elal.com.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 11 consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. Learn about Alaska’s award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (ALK).

FAA Mandates Changes to Boeing 787 Dreamliner

SEATTLE (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday said it was mandating new flight control software and parts to Boeing Co’s 787 Dreamliner to address what it called an unsafe operating condition of certain products on the plane.

The FAA’s airworthiness directive to plane operators makes compulsory changes Boeing outlined in service bulletins in 2017 and early 2018 for certain areas in 787’s tire and wheel “threat zones” that may be susceptible to damage, the company said.

Boeing, which works closely with the FAA to monitor its fleet for potential safety issues, said: “This issue has been long since resolved with system improvements that have been incorporated into production for all 787 models.”

The FAA said damage to the 787’s tire and wheel “threat zones” could result in the loss of braking and steering power on the ground at certain speeds.

The FAA said it requires installing hydraulic tubing, a pressure-operated check valve and new flight control software.

(Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; editing by James Dalgleish and Cynthia Osterman)

Alaska Air Group Stock Upgraded

Every day, Wall Street analysts upgrade some stocks, downgrade others, and “initiate coverage” on a few more. But do these analysts even know what they’re talking about? Today, we’re taking one high-profile Wall Street pick and putting it under the microscope…

After underperforming the S&P 500 by more than 17 points over the past year, Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) delivered a pleasant surprise to its shareholders last week, outperforming analyst expectations and beating on both earnings and revenue. The $0.17 per share that Alaska earned in fiscal Q1 2019 topped consensus estimates by more than 50% — and the airline even eked out a small sales beat with its $1.88 billion in Q1 revenue.

Not everyone was impressed.

Click the link for the full story! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alaska-air-group-stock-upgraded-182034848.html

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