American Airlines announces a build-up in Seattle. Delta Air Lines announces a build-up in Seattle. American announces new service from Seattle to London. Delta announces new service from Seattle to London.
It reminds me of a song…
Delta Responds to American Build Up In Seattle
Last week I wrote about AA’s build-up in Seattle. It seemed an odd choice considering Seattle is not a hub and up until now was not even a focus city. In fact, it seemed like a deliberate confrontation with Delta.
And Delta, apparently, is ready to rise to the challenge. This summer, it will add 3x daily service between Seattle and Dallas (DFW) utilizing an Airbus A220. Dallas, of course, is a fortress hub of American Airlines. Delta will also add new service to Columbus, Ohio (CMH) on the A220.
Furthermore, Delta will add a new flight to London Heathrow, which it says will be in addition to joint venture-partner Virgin Atlantic’s daily service (and seasonal double daily service). The London flight will not begin until an unspecified date in 2021.
With the new Delta and American flights, Seattle may see up to seven daily flights to London during peak season (one on American, two on British Airways, one on Delta, one on Norwegian, and two on Virgin Atlantic).
Delta is also increasing service to:
- Anchorage (ANC)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Austin (AUS)
- Boise (BOI)
- Boston (BOS)
- Bozeman (BZN)
- Kansas City (MCI)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Spokane (GEG)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
(most of these routes were announced previously, but have not yet begun)
Will the move incite further reaction from American Airlines? Fasten your seatbelts, because I expect more route surprises in the weeks and months ahead.
CONCLUSION
It’s a great time to be a Seattle traveler. With 190 daily departures to 56 destinations this summer, Delta continues to build its presence there. With American Airlines, reinvigorated with its new relationship with Alaska Airlines, knocking at the door, it isn’t clear whether American or Delta will win. But consumers certainly will.
> Read More: American Airlines – Better Late Than Never….
image: Delta
I really don’t see Delta being able to carry this out. I fly in and out of SEA all of the time and there are runway and gate constraints. Flight delays are so bad that flights going to SEA are being held at the departing airports due to ATC holds. Concourse D is a complete mess with the construction. Aircraft are being parked at remote locations and passengers are being bused to and from concourse D. SEA us really having trouble dealing with existing traffic. Delta expanding their presence at SEA might be easier said than done.
@Matt: Most of the increases to the destinations you listed were previously announced. Your write-up seems to guve an impression that they are part of the ‘Anything you can do I can do better’ which they aren’t 🙂
Or is Delta still picking fights with Alaska, with the Seattle-Columbus service? Now you will have your choice of Alaska’s A320 daytime or Delta’s A220 red-eye.
Is it more like 190 and not 90 DL departures?
I pointed out the same typo/error but it was deleted.
?
I only delete vulgarity/profanity.
Problem fixed. Thanks for pointing out.
It appears you’re missing a “1” in from of the 90 when listing the number of peak summer Dl departures from SEA. (Second sentence, final paragraph.)
https://news.delta.com/delta-seattles-global-airline-offers-customers-more-options-summer-ever
“These additions mean Delta will offer 190 daily departures to 56 destinations this summer from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.”
My math is weak but 1 +2+2+1+1 is 7 isn’t it? Two ba two virgin one as one Delta and one Norwegian
Mine is apparently weaker.