Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
DAL operates all of the ground handling for DCI in ATL and other main stations. Many outstations are subcontracted out and they service not just DCI but mainline.
Gate is DAL in all major hubs as well. Only the small outstations have DCI agents.
Delta also bills DCI for all that handling, often at above market rates. Its a profit center for many stations. Comair and ASA get charged 750 bucks just to wipe the frost off the wings in the morning. Station managers love it because it really helps their profit and loss.