More Domestic Cuts at Delta

More than any other U.S. airline, Delta is betting the farm on robust international travel. This summer, 40 percent of Delta’s capacity will be seats flying internationally.

Meanwhile, like other U.S. airlines, Delta continues to shrink domestically.

Delta said today that it now expects to reduce domestic capacity 13 percent in second half of 2008 while “international growth remains on track.”

Delta had previously said it would cut domestic capacity by about 10 percent. As previously announced, Delta plans to remove 15-20 mainline and 60-70 regional jets from service by the end of the year.

Some markets are losing service altogether. Delta’s statement said:

“Delta in December began adjusting domestic capacity in light of record fuel costs. Previously announced route cancellations have included service between Orlando and cities such as Las Vegas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Little Rock, Ark., as well as nonstop flights between Boston and cities such as Charleston, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

“While a small number of additional market cancellations are expected as fall schedules are finalized, most reductions are being achieved through frequency reductions and by eliminating a number of unprofitable routes with particular focus on point-to-point flights that can more profitably and efficiently be served via Delta’s hubs. Sample cancellations, effective late summer, include flights between:

--- Orlando, Fla. and Nashville, Tenn.; Key West, Fla.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, Ky.; New Orleans, La.; Panama City, Fla.; Richmond, Va.; Louisville, Ky.; and Knoxville, Tenn.;

---Boston and Jacksonville, Fla. and Norfolk, Va.;

--- Las Vegas and Los Angeles;

---Pensacola, Fla. and Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Fla.

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