makoshark72

To:
Delta Colleagues Worldwide
Date:
December 15, 2008
Re:
Combined fleet helps us maximize the profitability of every route

One of the principles of Delta’s merger with Northwest is to leverage the strength of our combined aircraft fleet to build the most durable, profitable airline network in the world. Given the difficult economic environment we face, this flexibility is even more crucial and we are moving quickly to create a flight schedule for 2009 that optimizes the profitability of every route. In the spring, our customers will begin to see fleet changes that better deploy our largest aircraft to match customer demand between our hubs and highest density routes, while smaller aircraft will right-size markets where we currently have more lift than required.

For instance, between New York-JFK and Venice we will introduce daily Airbus A330 service during the peak summer season to offer more seats than have previously been available with 767-300 aircraft. In markets like Portland to Tokyo, we will right-size from an A330 to a 767-300 to better match projected demand.

Changes to be loaded into Delta schedules in the coming weeks include:



Before our merger, neither Delta nor Northwest had the flexibility to optimize routes for profitability or significantly change the scope of our fleets without making large, expensive aircraft orders. This is why our merger makes us even stronger in the current economic climate and makes our flexibility the envy of our peers.

We recognize that while these changes are good for our business and our long-term success, they will require changes for our employees during the transition period until we are able to integrate seniority and align work rules for our combined employee groups. Your divisional leaders will share with you how these fleet changes could impact your area.

Between markets noted above and new cities we will be serving around the globe next year, we know you will embrace these opportunities to fly to new destinations. We remain committed to keeping the lines of communication open with you and your divisional leaders as we make changes to ensure Delta is well positioned for the environment we face in 2009 and beyond.

This is an exciting time for Delta. Your work every day continues to be a pivotal contribution to Delta’s international success. Our airline, even with the most convenient connections to the most destinations around the globe, cannot be successful without your commitment to giving our customers the best service every day.


Bob