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The manager of Delta Airlines in Israel, Esti Hershkovitz was at Ben Gurion Airport this week for the departure of two new Boeing 777 aircraft to Atlanta and New York. She commented that Delta plans to start operating two daily flights on the Tel Aviv to New York route once there is an improvement in the world economic situation.

Because of the continuing world economic crisis, Delta Airlines have put on hold plans to operate a second daily flight on the Tel Aviv to New York route. They have for now started to operate a Boeing 777 aircraft on this route instead of the Boeing 767.  At the moment the change of aircraft type is temporary and will last from 23rd May until 1st July.  Delta advised that if there is a relative recovery in the economy and the demand for flights from Israel to the United States remains high, then there is a greater chance of the Boeing 777 remaining on the route to Israel.

According to Hershkovtiz, Delta’s head office in Atlanta have expressed satisfaction with the growth in the number of passengers on the Tel Aviv route; but the worldwide recession which has led to a 30 percent fall in ticket prices for the summer, has hindered development plans.   She added “We want to expand capacity, but will only do so when the market dictates.”

Hershkovitz, who was among management of Delta Airlines, who arrived at Ben Gurion Airport for the departure of the two new Boeing 777 aircraft, examined the new business class section and indicated that the new bed seats will be offered to a number of passengers during the coming month.

She also reported that following pressure applied by Delta’s office in Tel Aviv to their headquarters in Atlanta, the airline agreed to cancel the $50 charge that was to be imposed from July on those passengers with a second suitcase.  Hershkovitz added “We received many letters of complaint from travel agents and customers and support the decision to cancel the surcharge.  I am happy that this move was successful.”