BEFORE THE 

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

and the 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

 PUBLIC VERSION

Application of 

 DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

 

for an allocation of U.S.-London Slots 

(Boston-Heathrow and Miami-Heathrow) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

European Commission 

CASE COMP/F-1/39.596 – 

AA/BA/IB 

DOT-OST-2008-0252 

BUSINESS PLAN OF DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

Communications with respect to this document should be addressed to: 

 

Glen Hauenstein 

Executive Vice President – Network Planning 

 & Revenue Management 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

1040 Delta Boulevard 

Atlanta, Georgia 30354 

Robert J. Cortelyou 

Senior Vice President – Network Planning 

Jeff Lobl, Managing Director – International 

 Network Planning 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

1030 Delta Boulevard 

Atlanta, Georgia 30320 

Andrea Fischer Newman 

Senior Vice President – Government Affairs 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

1212 New York Avenue, N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20005 

Alexander Van der Bellen 

Managing Director – Government Affairs 

 & Associate General Counsel 

Jeff Morgan 

Regional Director – Government Affairs 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

1212 New York Avenue, N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20005 

(202) 842-4184 

sascha.vanderbellen@delta.com

October 14, 2010 
BEFORE THE 

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

and the 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Application of 

 DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 

 

for an allocation of U.S.-London Slots 

(Boston-Heathrow and Miami-Heathrow) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

) 

European Commission 

CASE COMP/F-1/39.596 – 

AA/BA/IB 

DOT-OST-2008-0252 

BUSINESS PLAN OF DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 Introduction 

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) is pleased to submit this Business Plan in support of its 

application for three pairs of London Heathrow slots – two pairs for Boston service and one 

pair for Miami service. London Heathrow is the largest and most important U.S.-

transatlantic market, more than twice the size of U.S.-Paris and U.S.-Frankfurt, the next 

largest markets. London is also the leading financial, technology, and business center of 

Europe, giving it an outsized importance in terms of time-sensitive business travelers and 

corporate accounts. 

Delta’s applications in this case are vital to Delta’s and SkyTeam’s effort to provide a 

viable competitive challenge to American and British Airways now that those carriers have 

joined forces and will be acting in concert, rather than competing. Delta’s top priority is to 

secure two slot pairs for Boston-Heathrow service, so it can provide a flexible, competitive 

alternative to the six flights offered by the AA/BA alliance. Boston shares important 

communities of interest with London in terms of finance, technology, and leading 

educational institutions. Delta’s status as the leading U.S. flag international carrier at 

Boston gives it the unique ability to effectively challenge American and British Airways. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 2 

Delta would also provide an important new competitive option for Miami-Heathrow travelers, 

which would otherwise see a reduction in competition. 

There is strong public support for Delta’s proposals. The Governor of 

Massachusetts, Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, Mayor of Boston and Massport 

have all expressed their support to the European Commission and the Department of 

Transportation. Likewise, Delta’s Miami-Heathrow proposal is supported by the Mayor of 

Miami, Governor of Florida, members of its legislature, and the Miami-Dade Aviation 

Department. Important local, national and multi-national customers including Fidelity 

Investments, Travelers Insurance, Phillips, General Motors, Electrolux, and Carnival Cruise 

Lines have written in support of Delta’s proposals. 93 letters of support are attached as 

Exhibit 10 to this Business Plan. 

Section 1: General company and financial information 

Please provide a general presentation of the company, including the company’s: 

1. History 

Delta is one of the world’s best known and most established airlines. Delta’s history 

spans eighty-six years, tracing its roots to a crop-dusting operation founded in Macon, 

Georgia in 1924. Delta grew successfully first as a regional carrier, then as a national 

airline, and entered the transatlantic marketplace in 1978 with nonstop service between 

Atlanta and London’s Gatwick airport. In 2008, Delta merged with Northwest Airlines, 

creating what was at the time the world’s largest airline. A detailed timeline of Delta’s history 

through the decades is provided at Exhibit 1. 

Delta has a large and successful transatlantic operation; however, Delta’s efforts to 

compete in the U.S.-London marketplace have been frustrated by the inability to obtain a 

sufficient number of Heathrow slots at commercially viable times at commercially reasonable 

rates. Today, Delta and its SkyTeam transatlantic partners hold only 5 percent of Heathrow 

slots, compared to 47 percent for the oneworld immunized group and 25 percent for the Star 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 3 

immunized group. The award of slots requested in this proceeding would significantly 

enhance Delta’s ability to compete against the larger incumbent alliance carriers operating 

at Heathrow. 

2. Legal status 

Delta is incorporated in the U.S. State of Delaware and has its headquarters in 

Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Delta is a citizen of the United States within the meaning of the 

United States federal transportation code. 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(15). The U.S. Department of 

Transportation has determined that Delta is a United States citizen in that its president, twothirds or more of its board of directors and other managing officers are citizens of the United 

States, and that at least 75 percent of its voting stock is owned or controlled by United 

States citizens. 

3. List and a description of its shareholders 

Delta is publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock exchange and trading 

under the symbol “DAL.” A list of Delta’s top 25 shareholders, who collectively hold more 

than 70% of Delta’s outstanding shares, is provided at Exhibit 2. 

4. The two most recent yearly audited financial reports as well as the most recent 

(unaudited) interim financial statements 

A copy of Delta’s annual report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 is 

provided at: 

http://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDFArchive/dal2008.pdf 

A copy of Delta’s annual report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 is 

provided at: 

http://images.delta.com.edgesuite.net/delta/pdfs/annual_reports/2009_10K.pdf 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 4 

A copy of Delta’s 2010 year to date interim financial statements are available as part of 

Delta’s quarterly report (Form 10-Q) for the period ended June 30, 2010, which is provided 

at: 

http://services.corporateir.net/SEC/Document.Service?id=P3VybD1odHRwOi8vaXIuaW50Lndlc3RsYXdidXNpbmVz

cy5jb20vZG9jdW1lbnQvdjEvMDAwMDk1MDEyMy0xMC0wNzA0MjQvZG9jL0RlbHRhQWlyT

GluZXNfMTBRXzIwMTAwNzMwLnBkZiZ0eXBlPTImZm49RGVsdGFBaXJMaW5lc18xMFFf

MjAxMDA3MzAucGRm 

5. Current and planned access to capital 

As of June 30, 2010, Delta had $6.0 billion in unrestricted liquidity, including $4.4 

billion in cash and $1.6 billion in undrawn revolving credit facilities. During the June 2010 

quarter, Delta prepaid a $914 million revolving credit facility, which is now fully undrawn and 

available for future cash needs. Delta expects to end the September 2010 quarter with $5.6 

billion of unrestricted liquidity. 

6. Details of air operating certificate and operating/ security licenses in Europe and the 

United States of America 

A copy of Delta’s Air Carrier Certificate issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation 

Administration is provided at Exhibit 3. A copy of Delta’s economic authority to serve the 

United Kingdom issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation is provided at Exhibit 4. 

A copy of Delta’s most recent seasonal operating permit issued by the United Kingdom’s 

Department for Transport is provided at Exhibit 5. 

Section 2: Network, fleet and alliances 

Please provide an overview of: 

1. Your current network; 

Delta has an extensive global network. Delta offers service to 358 destinations in 66 

countries on six continents. Delta has hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, 

Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo-Narita. Delta serves 31 

airports in Europe, including Heathrow. From Heathrow, effective with the Winter 2010/2011 

schedule, Delta will operate 7 daily flights as follows: New York-JFK (3 daily), Atlanta (1 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 5 

daily, 1 four times per week), Detroit (1 daily, 1 three times per week), and Minneapolis/St. 

Paul (1 daily).    

2. Planned development of the network; 

Delta plans to continue expanding its international network. The lack of effective 

Heathrow access to compete on par with the oneworld and Star carriers is a critical gap and 

top strategic priority. Delta also continues to grow its U.S.-Africa and U.S.-Asia network 

with new flights planned for 2011. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 6 

3. Current fleet; 

The table below shows Delta’s fleet plan as of the end of 2010: 

2010

B747-400 16

B777-200LR 10

B777-200ER 8

A330-300 21

A330-200 11

B767-400ER 21

B767-300ER 57

B757-200ER 25

TOTAL 169 

B767-300 14

B757-300 16

B757-200 138

B737-800 73

B737-700 10

MD-90 19

MD-88 117

A320 69

A319 57

DC9-50 34

DC9-40 -

TOTAL 547 

MAINLINE 716 

76-Seater 153

65-Seater 70

50-Seater 384

Saab 340 26

TOTAL 633 

SYSTEM 1,349 

2010

767-300ER (2)

767-300 (7)

757-200 (11)

TOTAL (20) 

Fleet Type

Domestic Regional

Aircraft In Storage at Year-End 2010

Active Aircraft at Year-End 2010

Fleet Type

Transoceanic

4. Fleet plans (including planned aircraft orders and retirements) 

Delta has a conservative but flexible plan to acquire new and used aircraft as 

necessary to meet market needs. Aircraft for the Heathrow services that Delta has for 

applied in this proceeding would be operated with aircraft already in its fleet. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 7 

5. For the routes and each rotation you are requesting slots for, explain how you plan to 

acquire aircraft (e.g. transfer from other route, from current spares/stored aircraft, lease, 

etc). 

Delta has 57 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in its active fleet. [Confidential] 

[End Confidential] 

6. Summary of current and planned alliances, codeshares and other commercial 

agreements 

Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance. Delta’s partners in 

SkyTeam are: 

• Air France/KLM 

• Alitalia 

• Aeroflot 

• Aeromexico 

• Air Europa 

• China Southern Airlines 

• Czech Airlines 

• Kenya Airways 

• Korean Air 

• TAROM and 

• Vietnam Airlines. 

The SkyTeam carriers collectively offer 13,000 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 

countries. China Eastern Airlines and China Airlines have committed to join SkyTeam and 

are expected to officially become members in 2011. Delta also has marketing relationships 

(codeshare and/or frequent flyer agreements) with the following airlines that are not 

members of SkyTeam: Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, Avianca, GOL, Hawaiian 

Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Malaysia Airlines, Olympic Air, Royal Air Maroc, and V 

Australia/Virgin Blue Group. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 8 

Section 3: Operational information 

Please provide an overview of: 

1. Your plans for ground operations at each end of each route applied for 

Heathrow

Delta will rely on its existing Heathrow ground operations vendors to support the new 

flights. [Confidential] 

[End Confidential]

Boston

Ground handling will be by the Delta staff and supported by the catering, fueling, 

cleaning and security vendors that we currently utilize for Delta’s two daily BostonAmsterdam flights. 

Miami

Ground handling will be by the Delta staff and supported by Delta’s current catering, 

fueling, cleaning, and ramp and security vendors. 

2. Please confirm you have sufficient crew and your current crew agreements don’t conflict 

with operating any of the routes 

Delta confirms that it has sufficient crew and its crew agreements provide no 

obstacle to operating any of the routes for which it has applied. Notably, the Delta Master 

Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has expressed its strong support 

for Delta’s application. 

3. Please describe your engineering arrangements for aircraft at each end of the route, for 

each route applied for 

Heathrow

At Heathrow, Delta has a maintenance staff of 27 employees that will provide 

technical support for the proposed flights. In addition, Delta operates two stores facilities in 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 9 

support of its Heathrow operations: 1) an on-airport, line store/workshop and 2) an off-airport 

main stores facility (2,500 square feet, located approximately 2 miles from Heathrow). 

Boston

Delta will rely on its in-house maintenance staff at Boston to support the new 

Heathrow flights. For heavy maintenance, the aircraft will be routed behind Boston to 

Delta’s B-767 maintenance facilities. Delta is a well qualified and highly experienced 

operator, and anticipates no difficulties with the maintenance or engineering requirements 

for these flights. 

Miami

Delta will rely on its local in-house maintenance staff to support the new flight. For 

heavy maintenance, the aircraft will be routed behind Miami to Delta’s B-767 maintenance 

facilities. Delta is a well qualified and highly experienced operator, and anticipates no 

difficulties with the maintenance or engineering requirements for this flight. 

4. Please provide details of catering and any other suppliers at each end of the route, for 

each route applied for 

Heathrow

At Heathrow, Gate Gourmet is Delta’s current catering supplier. Gate Gourmet has 

the capacity to handle increased Delta operations at Heathrow. 

Boston

LSG SkyChefs is Delta’s current catering supplier at Boston. LSG SkyChefs has the 

capacity to handle increased Delta operations at Boston. 

Miami

LSG SkyChefs is Delta’s current catering supplier at Miami. LSG SkyChefs has the 

capacity to handle increased Delta operations at Miami. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 10 

Section 4: Conditions and preferences 

If you have applied for more than one city pair or more than one daily frequency, please 

specify whether you would still wish to be awarded slots for some of the services if you were 

not awarded slots for all of them. 

Delta has applied for slots for two daily Boston-Heathrow flights and one daily MiamiHeathrow flight. In the event Delta is not awarded slots for all of these services, Delta still 

wishes to be awarded slots for any/all of the other services for which it has applied. 

Delta reiterates that Boston-Heathrow is its top priority. Boston is a major 

international business market where Delta is uniquely qualified to provide effective 

competition to the American/British Airways immunized alliance. Delta’s substantial existing 

operation and large customer base make it a strong challenger on the London-Boston route. 

In addition, Delta will have the full marketing support of SkyTeam including Air France/KLM, 

Alitalia and CSA, which will enhance competitiveness for London point of sale customers. 

For any city pair(s) for which you have requested more than one daily frequency, please 

specify which slot times you would prefer if you were only awarded one frequency. 

Delta has applied for two daily frequencies on the Boston-Heathrow route. 

Awarding Delta both frequencies will provide the strongest competition to American and 

British Airways, who combined offer six daily flights on the Boston-Heathrow route. 

However, if Delta were awarded only one daily frequency on the Boston-Heathrow route, 

Delta’s slot preferences are as follows: 

Summer season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 1900 Arrive LHR 0645 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1030 Arrive BOS 1325 

Winter season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 1855 Arrive LHR 0645 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1030 Arrive BOS 1345 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 11 

If your application is dependent on external factors (such as delivery of new aircraft) please 

explain and specify your contingency arrangements when aircraft are on a technical or the 

initial aircraft delivery has been delayed. 

Delta’s application is not dependent on external factors. As noted in Section 2.5 

above, the services for which we have applied would be operated using aircraft that are on 

hand and available in our current fleet. Delta’s 767-300ER fleet operates with high dispatch 

reliability. In the rare case of a mechanical cancellation, Delta has the flexibility to reroute 

passengers on one of its other Heathrow-U.S. operations and/or via its alliance partners’ 

Heathrow services. 

Section 5: Business plans for the identified city pair(s) 

If you have applied for more than one city pair, please provide the information in this section 

for each of the city pairs. 

Please provide an overview of your business plan for each of the routes. This should include 

a summary of: 

1. Strategic rationale of the planned operations on the route(s) where slots are requested 

(including the fit in your current network); 

An expanded Heathrow presence is a top strategic priority for Delta. London is the 

largest and most important transatlantic market from the United States, and Delta is 

significantly under-represented in this market (relative to its overall transatlantic presence) 

due to the lack of available slots at commercially viable times at commercially reasonable 

rates. 

Boston-Heathrow is a natural fit with Delta’s network, given its strong domestic and 

international presence at Boston. Delta has a substantial domestic network from Boston 

and is the only U.S. flag carrier besides American operating transatlantic service from 

Boston. 

Delta is also well positioned to provide Miami-Heathrow service. Delta is a strong 

player in South Florida, and is the number two carrier at Miami, behind American. Delta’s 

Latin America SkyTeam and codeshare partners intersect with Delta’s proposed new service 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 12 

at Miami and will provide additional marketing support for the flight in competition with 

American’s services in important beyond markets. 

2. Proposed schedule (separately for each IATA Summer and Winter Season); 

Delta’s proposed schedules are provided below. All flights would operate daily with 

Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. 

Boston-Heathrow #1 (Preferred time channel)

Summer season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 1900 Arrive LHR 0645 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1030 Arrive BOS 1325 

Winter season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 1855 Arrive LHR 0645 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1030 Arrive BOS 1345 

Boston-Heathrow #2 (Alternative time channel)

Summer season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 2150 Arrive LHR 0935 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1330 Arrive BOS 1625 

Winter season, in local time: 

Depart BOS 2145 Arrive LHR 0935 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1330 Arrive BOS 1645 

Miami-Heathrow

Summer season, in local time: 

Depart MIA 1730 Arrive LHR 0730 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1020 Arrive MIA 1525 

Winter season, in local time: 

Depart MIA 1810 Arrive LHR 0750 (next day) 

Depart LHR 1020 Arrive MIA 1610 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 13 

3. Service level in each class; 

Delta’s 767-300ER aircraft are equipped with two classes of service, BusinessElite 

(34 or 35 seats1

) and economy class (181 seats). 

BusinessElite Cabin Features: 

Sleep 

Comfortable sleeper seats2

 provide 60 inches of pitch and 160 degrees of recline. A full-size 

pillow, oversized quilted duvet and an amenity kit featuring premium products is also 

provided. 

Entertainment 

An extensive library of up to 250 movies, 150 TV programs, 100 hours of premium 

programming from HBO and Showtime, video games, 4,000 songs and kid-friendly options 

are available via each customer's personal video screen. A universal electrical outlet that 

accepts U.S. and most international plugs, and USB power port are available at every seat. 

Noise canceling headsets add to the entertainment experience. 

Fine Dining 

BusinessElite features a five-course gourmet dining featuring entrées from renowned chef 

Michelle Bernstein and wine pairings by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. A selection of 

premium snacks, beers, spirits and specialty cocktails are also available throughout the 

flight. 

 

1 Delta has Boeing 767-300ERs in both 35-seat and 34-seat BusinessElite configurations. 

Boston-Heathrow was forecasted with a 34-seat BusinessElite configuration and MiamiHeathrow was forecasted with a 35-seat BusinessElite configuration. Both configurations 

have 181 seats in economy class.

2 Delta is the process of upgrading its international wide-body fleet with flat-bed seats and 

will be modifying 21 B767-300/400ER and eight B777-200ER aircraft between Oct. 2010 

and May 2011. Boston-Heathrow is a high-priority market and Delta expects to offer flat-bed 

seats if selected to begin Boston-Heathrow service in summer 2011. Delta will introduce its 

flat-bed product to the Miami-Heathrow market as aircraft upgrades are completed. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 14 

Airport/Lounge Experience 

Customers traveling in BusinessElite have access to Delta’s Sky Priority service which 

includes exclusive check-in areas, expedited security lanes, priority boarding and priority 

baggage service. Customers also enjoy complimentary access to Delta's Sky Club on the 

day of their flight. 

Economy Cabin Features: 

The economy cabin of select B767-300ERs features a personal entertainment system at 

every seat. Delta is in the process of upgrading its B767-300ER fleet with new nextgeneration seats that offer more personal space and Audio-Video On Demand (AVOD) at 

every seat in the economy cabin. A choice of complimentary hot entrées, snacks, beer and 

wine will be offered to all customers seated in economy class. 

[Confidential] 

[End Confidential]

4. Overview of pricing structure by class; 

Delta’s transatlantic fares are highly competitive and are driven by the dynamics of 

the marketplace. Together, Delta and SkyTeam offer a high quality international alliance 

product, which is most directly competitive to the American/British Airways oneworld offering 

on the subject routes. While fares can and do change often based on market conditions, 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 15 

the tables below provide representative Delta roundtrip fare ranges for the Boston-Heathrow 

and Miami-Heathrow markets by Point-of-Sale (POS), by fare type, by season: 

[Confidential] 

 [End Confidential]
Delta Business Plan 

Page 16 

5. Approach to marketing and promotion; 

Delta has successfully launched numerous new international services in the last 

several years, specifically including six new U.S.-Heathrow flights now operating between 

New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis/St. Paul to London. Delta will employ a 

comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to marketing and promoting its Heathrow 

services that draws from Delta’s experience marketing and promoting its existing Heathrow 

flights. Highlights of Delta’s marketing plan include: 

 Promote flights through print and online advertising targeted to London, Boston, and 

Miami markets. 

 Conduct marketing campaigns in London including Delta branded taxis, panel 

advertising in train stations such as Paddington, and advertising in the business press. 

 Promotional email campaigns targeted to members of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer 

program. Bonus SkyMiles will be offered for travel on the new routes on an introductory 

basis in both economy and business class. 

 Promote flights through in-airport advertising (banners, flyers, etc.) at Heathrow, Boston, 

and Miami airports. 

 Include flights in Delta’s 2011 national advertising campaign promoting Delta’s entire 

U.S.-Heathrow network. 

 Promote flights through inflight video advertising on Delta’s video equipped mainline 

fleet. 

 Promote flights in Sky magazine, Delta’s in flight magazine. 

Delta will also promote the new services to the travel agent community in the following ways: 

 Provide product training sessions to agencies with emphasis on new services. 

 Conduct nationwide sales blitz directed at targeted agencies. 

 Place advertorials in agency newsletters, brochures, and clients’ magazines. 

 Offer sales incentives to main leisure agencies and travel management companies. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 17 

6. Airport facilities that would be used (e.g. which terminals, ground handlers, business 

lounges, catering, etc you would use); 

Heathrow

Delta’s current Heathrow flights operate through Terminal 4. Delta’s proposed 

Heathrow flights would also operate through Terminal 4. [Confidential] 

[End Confidential]

With respect to check-in facilities, there is additional capacity available to manage 

the additional flights within Delta’s current allocation. Self-service kiosks will play an 

important role in supporting Delta’s allocation of check-in desks. 

With respect to business lounges, there is a dedicated SkyTeam lounge in Terminal 

4, which has capacity for all SkyTeam operations in Terminal 4, including for three additional 

Delta flights. See Exhibit 6. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 18 

With respect to ground handling/catering, please see Delta’s responses to Section 3, 

Questions 1 and 4. 

Boston

Delta’s Boston-Heathrow flights would depart from one of the 14 gates that Delta 

currently uses in Boston’s Terminal A. The flights would arrive at Boston’s international 

terminal (Terminal E) and be towed to terminal A for departure. This arrangement would 

mirror the ground operation for Delta’s existing Boston-Amsterdam flights. 

Delta currently operates up to 80 departures per day from Boston and has sufficient 

check-in facilities to accommodate the addition of two Boston-Heathrow flights. 

Delta has a Sky Club lounge in Boston’s Terminal A that will be available to 

passengers on the Boston-Heathrow flights. The Boston Sky Club features complimentary 

Wi-Fi, satellite TV, magazines and newspapers, a fully stocked bar, and complementary 

snacks and beverages. See Exhibit 7. 

With respect to ground handling/catering, please see Delta’s responses to Section 3, 

Questions 1 and 4. 

Miami

Delta’s Miami-Heathrow flight would operate in and out of the one of the 6 gates that 

Delta currently uses in Miami’s Concourse H. Delta’s facility in Concourse H has access to 

both customs and immigrations processing. Delta’s SkyTeam partners Air France and 

Alitalia currently operate international flights both into and out of Concourse H in Miami. 

Delta currently operates up to 28 departures per day from Miami and has sufficient 

check-in facilities to accommodate the addition of a Miami-Heathrow flight. 

Delta has a newly renovated Sky Club lounge in Miami’s Concourse H that will be 

available to passengers on the Miami-Heathrow flight. The Miami Sky Club features 

complimentary Wi-Fi, personal work stations, and conference rooms. Other amenities 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 19 

include a shower suite, satellite TV, a luggage room, and complimentary snacks and 

beverages. See Exhibit 8. 

With respect to ground handling/catering, please see Delta’s responses to Section 3, 

Questions 1 and 4. 

7. Expected or planned cooperation with another airline for the operations on the route(s) 

where slots are requested (e.g. planned code-share agreements, joint ventures, etc.); 

All Delta operated U.S.-Heathrow flight are part of the SkyTeam transatlantic venture 

which is comprised of Delta, Air France, KLM, and Alitalia. All Delta operated U.S.-

Heathrow services display KLM’s “KL” marketing designator code. Delta’s proposed 

Heathrow flights would be part of this joint venture and would display KLM’s code. 

8. Whether you plan to request Fare Combinability, Special Prorate and/or Frequent Flyer 

Programme agreements with the Parties (British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia) as 

defined in the Commitments (sections 2, 3 and 4), and the proposed scope of these 

agreements. 

[Confidential] 

 [End Confidential] 

Section 6: Financial and operational data for the identified city pair(s) 

Please list revenues and costs in constant prices, and state the price terms and currency 

they are in. Figures may be provided in either pounds sterling, US dollars, or Euros. 

Please complete all of the tables. If you have applied for more than one city pair, please 

provide the information in this section for each of the city pairs. If you have applied for more 

than one daily service on any city pair(s), please explain how your approach to operating the 

service, and expected cost/revenue, would differ depending on whether you were awarded 

one or more daily services, or if they would differ between the services. If there are any 

significant differences (e.g. aircraft type) please provide the tables separately. 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 20 

When providing operational data (flights, seats, etc) please provide total figures covering 

both directions (so a flight LHR-BOS-LHR would be two flights). 

Please provide supporting evidence in greater detail where required to justify the 

assumptions provided including: 

· financial projections for the expected traffic, revenues and costs 

· number of flight crew and cabin crew per service; 

· for connecting passengers, how you have allocated revenue to the service concerned; 

· what taxes, if any, are included in the revenue and cost figures (e.g. UK air passenger 

duty); 

· fuel price; and 

· exchange rates. 

The Commitments require that, at a minimum, information should be provided for two IATA 

seasons. However, as Monitoring Trustee we request a further two years data to help you 

demonstrate the long term viability of, and plans for, the service. 

[Confidential] 

 [End Confidential] 
Delta Business Plan 

Page 21 

Conclusion 

Delta appreciates the opportunity to submit this information concerning its BostonHeathrow and Miami-Heathrow services. We stand ready to provide any further information 

that may assist the decision makers in reaching a positive decision on these slot requests. 

 

 Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________ 

Alexander Van der Bellen 

Managing Director, Government Affairs 

 & Associate General Counsel 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 
Exhibit 1 

Page 1 

Delta Through the Decades 

1920s - Delta begins crop dusting and flying mail 

1924 The Huff Daland Dusters crop-dusting operation, which formed the roots for 

Delta, founded in Macon, Ga. This was the first commercial agricultural flying company 

in existence. 

1925 Huff Daland Duster's headquarters moves to Monroe, La. Huff Daland's 18 

planes are the largest privately owned fleet in the world. Operations range south to 

Florida, north to Arkansas, and west to California and Mexico. 

1926 Northwest Airways (merged with Delta in 2008) takes to the sky, carrying air mail 

from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. to Chicago. Within months, Northwest introduces the 

nation’s first closed-cabin commercial airplane—the three-passenger Stinson Detroiter. 

1927 Huff Daland extends dusting services to Peru. Operates the first international 

mail and passenger route on the west coast of South America (Lima to Paita and Talara) 

for Pan Am subsidiary Peruvian Airways in 1928. 

1928 C. E. Woolman, the principal founder of Delta Air Lines, leads movement to buy 

Huff Daland Dusters. Renamed Delta Air Service for the Mississippi Delta region it 

served. D.Y. Smith, President; C.E. Woolman first Vice President. 

1929 Delta operates first passenger flights over route stretching from Dallas, Texas to 

Jackson, Miss., via Shreveport and Monroe, La. Travel Air S-6000B airplanes carry five 

passengers and one pilot. 

 

1930s - Delta begins passenger service 

 

1930 Service begins to Atlanta. Lack of mail contract forces suspension of passenger 

service. Company renamed Delta Air Corporation. 

1934 Delta receives Air Mail Route 24 from Post Office; resumes passenger service. 

Begins operating as Delta Air Lines. Northwest Airways reincorporated under Minnesota 

law as Northwest Airlines, Inc. 

1935 Delta offers first night service with the Stinson Model A; first Delta aircraft with 

two pilots. 

1938 Northwest assists Mayo Clinic in developing the first practical aviation oxygen 

mask, making possible high-altitude flying over the Rocky Mountains. 

 

1940s - Delta goes to war and officially becomes Delta Air Lines, Inc. 

 

1940 Douglas DC-2 and DC-3 service introduced. Flight attendants, called 

"stewardesses," added to flight crews. 

1941 Delta headquarters moves from Monroe to Atlanta. 

1942 Delta contributes to the war effort. Modifies 1,000+ aircraft, over-hauls 

engines/instruments, trains Army pilots and mechanics. 

1944 First converted DC-3 cargo ship, Delta No. 43. 

1945 Official corporate name becomes Delta Air Lines, Inc. Company recognized by 

National Safety Council for more than 300 million passenger miles and 10 years of flight 

without a passenger or crew fatality. C. E. Woolman is President and General Manger. 

Delta is the first airline to fly living vegetable plants (160,000 tomato plants). 

1946 Delta starts regularly scheduled cargo service. The one-millionth passenger 

boards. First airline with nonstop Chicago-Miami flights. 
Exhibit 1 

Page 2 

1947 Delta's fleet totals 644 available seats. Receives National Safety Award for more 

than one-half billion passenger miles without a fatality. Northwest Orient pioneers the 

“Great Circle Route” to Asia with service from the United States to Tokyo, Seoul, 

Shanghai and Manila. 

1948 First U.S. interchange service with TWA personnel flying Delta planes from 

Cincinnati to Detroit and Delta crews flying TWA ships south to Atlanta, Miami and 

Dallas. 

1949 Delta’s first coach service starts: discounted-fare night flights between Chicago 

and Miami. 

 

1950s - Delta expands internationally, pioneers the hub and spoke 

 

1951 Northwest Airlines selected by Japan Air Lines (JAL) to handle flight operations 

for the company as it established operations in post-war Japan. 

1953 Chicago and Southern Air Lines merger brings Delta its first international routes 

(to the Caribbean and Caracas). Airline called Delta-C&S for the next two years. 

1955 Delta pioneers the use of the hub and spoke system. Scheduled airplanes bring 

passengers to a hub airport where travelers connected to other Delta flights. Delta wins 

Atlanta to New York route. 

1956 Radar installed in noses of all Delta aircraft. 

1959 Delta is first airline to launch Douglas DC-8 jet service. The red, white, and blue 

triangle "widget" becomes Delta's logo resembling the swept -wing appearance of a jet. 

 

1960s - Delta enters the computer and jet age 

 

1960 First airline to launch Convair 880 jet service. 

1961 Flies first nonstop service from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Delta links California and 

the Caribbean with first jet service from California to Montego Bay and Caracas. Delta 

receives National Safety Award for flying more than 11 billion passenger miles without a 

fatality. 

1962 Delta activates the electronic SABRE system for "instant" reservations. A Delta 

DC-8 is the first commercial plane to fly Los Angeles-Atlanta in less than 3 hours 

(02:57:11). Northwest becomes the first airline to provide wind shear forecasts to warn of 

sudden changes in wind direction. 

1964 The Deltamatic reservation system starts with IBM 7074 computers. 

1965 Delta becomes first airline to launch Douglas DC-9 service. 

1966 Delta founder C.E. Woolman dies. Charles H. Dolson becomes Delta's second 

CEO. Crop-dusting division ceases operations. Delta is first with Lockheed L-100 

Hercules cargo service. 

1968 A reconditioned 1925 Huff Daland Duster given to the Smithsonian Institution as 

a memorial to C. E. Woolman, Delta founder. 

 

1970s - Delta celebrates 50 years going strong 

 

1970 Delta has an all-jet passenger airplane fleet. Boeing 747 service begins. 

Northwest offers the first Boeing 747 trans-Pacific service from four major U.S. gateways 

– Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Honolulu. 

1971 W.T. Beebe becomes Chairman and CEO. Delta Dash (cargo service for small 

packages) begins. 
Exhibit 1 

Page 3 

1972 Northeast Airlines merges with Delta. Delta becomes a major carrier in New York 

and Boston, with direct routes from New York and New England to Florida. Delta begins 

operating the Boeing 727. 

1973 L-1011 TriStar service introduced. 

1975 First airline to offer its own air express service, a new high priority, guaranteed 

cargo service called Delta Air Express. 

1978 The Airline Deregulation Act passes. Delta begins trans-Atlantic service: Atlanta 

to London. David C. Garrett becomes CEO. 

1979 Delta celebrates its 50th year of service; begins flights to Frankfurt, West 

Germany. Delta is the first airline in the world to board one million passengers in one city 

in one month (Atlanta in the month of August). 

 

1980s - Delta expands services and routes 

 

1980 Development of computer reservations systems (CRS) in the early 1980s. 

1981 Delta launches Frequent Flyer Program (changed to SkyMiles in 1995). 

1982 After Delta suffers financial losses, employees raise $30 million in payroll 

deductions to purchase the first Boeing 767, named "The Spirit of Delta." 

1984 Delta strengthens ties to regional airline partners through its Delta Connection 

program. Delta begins service to Hawaii. 

1986 Northwest purchases Republic Airlines expanding Northwest’s workforce 

overnight from 17,000 to more than 33,000. Northwest becomes the major hub airline at 

Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Memphis. 

1987 Western Airlines merges with Delta; becomes the fourth largest U.S. carrier and 

fifth largest world carrier. Delta's first trans-Pacific service begins: Atlanta to Portland, 

Oregon, to Tokyo. Ronald W. Allen becomes Chairman and CEO. 

1988 Delta opens operations in Asia. 

 

1990s - Delta purchases Pan Am and becomes a global carrier 

 

1990 Delta is the first airline to offer MD-11 jet service in the U.S. Delta, Northwest 

Airlines, and TWA combine reservation systems, forming WORLDSPAN Travel 

Information Services. Delta and 23 civilian airlines participate in the Civil Reserve Air 

Fleet (CRAF) during Desert Storm/Desert Shield from 1990-1991, carrying passengers 

and military cargo. 

1991 Delta purchases substantially all of Pan Am's trans-Atlantic routes and the Pan 

Am Shuttle, making this the largest acquisition of flights in airline history. Delta becomes 

a global carrier. Northwest and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines launch their first joint service 

with twice-weekly flights between Minneapolis -St. Paul and Amsterdam. 

1994 Delta returns to profitability in fourth quarter, fiscal year 1995. 

1995 "The Spirit of Delta" is rededicated and repainted in Olympic color scheme. Delta 

named the official airline of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Received J.D. Power 

Award for best among major carriers for long and short haul flights. Delta is the first U.S. 

carrier to voluntarily ban smoking on all flights. 

1996 Delta unveils the "Centennial Spirit," a new MD-11 jet painted in an Olympic 

design; transports the Olympic Flame from Athens, Greece, to Los Angeles for 1996 

Olympic Games in Atlanta. Customers can make reservations and purchase tickets via 

Delta's Web site, SkyLinks. Delta starts low-fare airline Delta Express, with service from 

Orlando, Fla. Northwest launches the first nonstop route between the U.S. and China 

with flights between Detroit and Beijing. 
Exhibit 1 

Page 4 

1997 Leo F. Mullin is named President and CEO. Delta is the first airline to board more 

than 100 million passengers in a year. Begins expansion of U.S.-Latin America routes. 

Introduction of new aircraft livery. Delta purchases the Boeing 777. 

1998 Delta and SwissCargo forge the first international cargo alliance. Delta is the first 

airline to install automatic defibrillators on board all of its aircraft. First and business 

classes on international flights become a single section of luxury seats called 

BusinessElite®. 

1999 Air Transport World magazine named Delta its global Airline of the Year for 1998. 

Aviation Week And Space Technology magazine named Delta 1999's Best Managed 

Major Airline. 

 

2000s - Delta launches SkyTeam, merges with Northwest 

 

2000 Launched SkyTeam, a global alliance, partnering Delta with AeroMexico, Air 

France and Korean Air. Places the industry's largest order of regional jets (500). 

Introduces new aircraft livery and a contemporary "widget" logo. Launches delta.com 

Web site, replacing “SkyLinks.” Carries 120 million passengers. Northwest becomes the 

first major airline to offer an Internet check-in program through its Web site. 

2001 U.S. airspace closed for two days after terrorist attacks on Sept. 11th. Delta 

posts first financial loss in six years. Delta carries Olympic Flame from Athens, Greece, 

to Atlanta for 2002 Olympic Torch Relay to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

2002 Delta sponsors the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at its Salt Lake City hub. 

Technology advances bring convenience to customers through kiosks at check-in, 

expanded gate information systems and virtual check-in on delta.com. Delta, Air France, 

Alitalia and CSA Czech Airlines granted antitrust immunity for trans-Atlantic scheduling 

and pricing. 

2003 Delta launches Song®, a unique low-cost subsidiary airline. Delta leads the 

industry with a new model for passenger check-in: lobby redesign, expanded kiosk use, 

the introduction of Delta Direct phone banks, lobby assist agents, and new signs and 

processes to improve traffic flow. Delta implements the largest domestic codeshare 

alliance with Continental and Northwest. Delta is the first U.S. airline to offer prerecorded 

audio flight information at the gate. 

2004 Gerald Grinstein becomes Delta's seventh CEO. Delta celebrates 75 years of 

passenger service; returns to traditional "widget" logo. Delta continues work toward 

financial viability. Customer service and ramp operations efficiency enhanced with a new 

automated load instruction system for baggage, cargo and mail; expansion of touchscreen computers with real-time flight and gate information on baggage transfer tugs; 

and staggered zone system for aircraft boarding. Northwest and Continental join Delta 

as full members of SkyTeam alliance. 

2005 "Operation Clockwork" is the largest single-day schedule redesign in aviation 

history. Changes at Atlanta and Dallas/Ft. Worth restructure more than 51 percent of 

Delta’s network for better on-time departures, reduced airport congestion and free up 

aircraft for Delta's expanding route system. On Sept. 14, Delta files for reorganization 

under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Northwest Airlines files for bankruptcy 

on the same day. In late November, Delta starts one of the largest one-month 

expansions in its history with service on seven new Latin American and Caribbean 

routes. 

2006 Service to more destinations than any global airline with 124 new nonstop routes 

and 41 destinations. Delta is National Safety Council's 2006 Occupational Industry 

Leader—the first airline recognized. J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey ranks 

Delta second of the network carriers in overall customer service. Business Traveler 
Exhibit 1 

Page 5 

readers name Delta "Best Frequent Flyer Program," "Best Airline Web Site" and "Best 

Airport Lounge." Song operates its last flight on April 30. Delta announces plan to 

transform New York-JFK into a major international hub. The “Spirit of Delta”—a Boeing 

767 given to the company by employees in 1982—is retired from scheduled service and 

transformed into a museum exhibit at Delta’s headquarters. Delta launches first service 

to southern Africa with flights between Atlanta and Johannesburg via Dakar, Senegal. 

2007 Richard H. Anderson becomes Delta's eighth CEO. Delta defeats hostile 

takeover attempt by US Airways and completes restructuring plan one year ahead of 

schedule, emerging from bankruptcy on April 30 and relisting on the New York Stock 

Exchange on May 3. Adopts a new three-dimensional red widget logo and aircraft paint 

scheme. Led all network carriers in on-time performance for the year. First U.S. airline to 

offer customers the opportunity to help offset carbon emissions associated with air 

travel. J.D. Power ranks Delta second in customer service among network carriers for 

the second consecutive year. Announces trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France. 

Completion of Open Skies agreement between U.S. and European Union allows Delta to 

fly to London-Heathrow; service initiated from Atlanta and New York-JFK to Heathrow. 

2008 Delta and Northwest merge, creating a global airline with major operations in 

every region of the world. Company remains headquartered in Atlanta and called Delta. 

Delta grants approximately 15 percent of new company’s stock to employees. Becomes 

first U.S. airline to announce onboard Wi-Fi for domestic mainline fleet. Delta adopts 

Northwest’s long-standing codeshare and marketing agreement with Alaska Airlines to 

increase customer connections across the West Coast. 

2009 Delta celebrates 80 years of passenger service. Announces expanded transAtlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM. Becomes the only U.S. airline to serve six 

continents with introduction of nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, 

Australia. Completes integration of Northwest WorldPerks frequent flyer program into 

SkyMiles, creating the world’s largest loyalty program with more than 74 million 

members. Rebrands more than 240 domestic airports with Delta logos, replacing 

Northwest. 
CONFIDENTIAL 

EXHIBIT 2
EXHIBIT 3

EXHIBIT 4
Order 2007-4-27

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Issued by the Department of Transportation

on the 17th day of April, 2007

Served: April 30, 2007

In the Matter of Blanket Open-Skies

Route Authority for:

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

under a certificate of public

convenience and necessity pursuant to 

49 USC 41101

Dockets OST-2007-27790

OST-1999-6246 

ORDER ISSUING CERTIFICATE

Summary

By this order we grant Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) certificate authority to provide combination

service to all of our foreign aviation partners that have entered into an open-skies agreement with 

the United States where that agreement is being applied (hereafter “open-skies partners”).

1

Application

On April 13, 2007, Delta filed a supplement to its pending application for certificate authority to 

serve, among other things, open-skies partners of the United States.

2 By its supplement, Delta

seeks blanket open-skies certificate authority comparable to that which we awarded to American 

Airlines, Inc, in Order 2007-4-2.

3

 1 For administrative convenience purposes, the term “open-skies partners” also refers to foreign aviation partners that

are parties to the Multilateral Agreement on the Liberalization of International Air Transportation (“MALIAT”). 2 See Supplement #6 to Application of Delta Air Lines, Inc., filed April 13, 2007, in Dockets OST-2007-27790 and

OST-1999-6246. 3 In its initial application, Delta sought new or amended certificate authority to provide combination service to

countries with which the United States had already entered into an open-skies agreement as well countries operating
Decision

Under assigned authority and consistent with our streamlining and blanket open-skies certificate

initiatives,

4 we have decided to grant Delta certificate authority to serve all open-skies partners;

that is, foreign aviation partners with which the United States has entered into an open-skies

agreement where that agreement is being applied.

5 6 We have also decided to grant to Delta

certificate authority to serve Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoa,

Singapore, and Tonga, each a signatory to the Multilateral Agreement on the Liberalization of

International Air Transportation (“MALIAT”).

7 We defer action on the remainder of the carrier’s

requests and will handle them separately.8 Our action here establishes for the carrier a new route

certificate, in the form attached at Appendix A. We find that grant of the certificate is consistent

with the public convenience and necessity. We find further that the pending open-skies request is

not controversial and that it is appropriate to grant the authority at issue here under simplified 

procedures.

9

We will also grant the carrier blanket authority such that when an additional foreign aviation

partner enters into an open-skies agreement with the United States, and where that agreement is

being applied, authority to serve that open-skies partner will automatically be included as part of

the carrier’s certificate authority without the need for further action by the Department or the

carrier. We find that the award of such authority, on a prospective basis, with the enhanced 

administrative convenience it would accord to the carrier, is consistent with the public interest.

 under a liberal bilateral aviation relationship with the United States though not an open-skies agreement. See

Application of Delta Air Lines, Inc. for a New or Amended Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, filed

September 21, 1999, in Docket OST-1999-6246. Delta supplemented its application on multiple occasions by adding

additional markets to its request for certificate authority. Delta filed and perfected its application as required by 14

CFR Part 201 and served the application as required by 14 CFR § 302.203. A number of pleadings were filed by U.S.

carriers in response to Delta’s initial request for broad authority to serve open-skies partners and other open-entry

markets, and Delta filed a reply. Each carrier supported the grant of broad authority to Delta as long as its request for

comparably broad authority was likewise approved by the Department. As part of its application, Delta also sought

route integration authority to combine service on the routes. The Department has since granted it broad route

integration authority in Order 2006-1-1. Accordingly, we will dismiss that part of its application as moot. 4 See Dockets OST-2005-22228 and OST-2007-27790. 5 We find that grant of this authority is consistent with the public interest. Based on officially noticeable data, we find

that the carrier is qualified to provide the services proposed. By Order 2006-1-1, the Department found the carrier fit,

willing, and able to engage in foreign scheduled air transportation of persons, property, and mail using large aircraft.

The carrier is an operating certificated air carrier, for which the authority at issue here would not constitute a

substantial change in operations requiring further review by the Department. No information has come to our attention

which leads us to question the fitness of the applicant being awarded authority here to conduct air transportation

operations. 6 The United States has negotiated open-skies agreements with Benin, the Dominican Republic, and Rwanda;

however, those agreements are not yet being applied. Accordingly, authority to serve these foreign aviation partners is

not included in our action here. 7 We have open-skies relationships with the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga, under the MALIAT. Also, the MALIAT

supersedes our bilateral open-skies agreements with Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore. 8 In its April 13 supplement, Delta expressly recognized the possibility of our deferring on its pending requests for

authority that went beyond the authority we had awarded in Order 2007-4-2. Supplement #6 at 2, n.2. 9 In accordance with 14 CFR § 302.207, et seq., we may, in our discretion, omit a tentative decision in proceedings and

proceed directly to a final decision.
The Department’s Office of International Aviation maintains a list of currently applied open-skies

aviation agreements between the United States and its open-skies partners.

10 The Department will

update the list as open-skies partners are added and will provide notice when this occurs.

11 12

The attached form of certificate is consistent with open-skies aviation agreements that are currently 

being applied and that authorize the use of rights for which the United States has exchanged 

valuable operating rights. All of the authority conferred here contributes to the variety of price and 

service options available to travelers and shippers.

We therefore find, under assigned authority, that the public interest warrants granting Delta

certificate authority in the form attached at Appendix A and subject to the conditions attached.

The attached certificate of public convenience and necessity is subject to the standard terms,

conditions, and limitations we consistently impose in the public interest. Duration of certificate

authority is determined by the nature of the routes at issue. Where, as here, routes may be served 

by multiple U.S. carriers, without restrictions on additional entrants, the certificates are of

indefinite duration.

The authority granted by this order supersedes any orders previously issued or actions taken by the

Department granting the carrier operating rights to an open-skies partner. For those services

currently operated under an exemption, the exemption will terminate upon the effectiveness of the

attached certificate of public convenience and necessity. Currently authorized certificate authority

to serve an open-skies partner will be realigned such that all authority held by the carrier to serve

markets covered by a currently applied open-skies agreement is consolidated into a single

certificate.

Findings and Conclusions

In view of the foregoing and all the facts of record, we find and conclude that:

1. It is consistent with the public convenience and necessity to issue Delta Air Lines, Inc.

a certificate in the form attached;

2. On the basis of data officially noticeable under 14 CFR 302.24 of the Department’s

regulations, the captioned air carrier is a citizen of the United States and is fit, willing,

and able to perform properly the foreign air transportation described in the attached 

certificate and to conform to the provisions of Subtitle VII of Title 49, United States

Code (Transportation), and to the Department’s rules, regulations, and requirements;

3. The public interest requires that the exercise of the privileges granted by the attached 

certificate be subject to the terms, conditions and limitations contained in the attached 

 10 See http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/aviation/international/agreementsbeingapplied.htm for the list of open-skies agreements

that are being applied. 11 Such notice will be provided by publication in the Federal Register. 12 The Department will also update the list if an open-skies partner is removed. If an open-skies partner is removed we

will allow a carrier 120 days to seek exemption authority to serve that foreign aviation partner, as the certificate

authority to serve that foreign aviation partner will no longer be effective 120 days from its removal from the list.
certificate and to such others required by the public interest as the Department may 

prescribe;

4. The issuance of the attached certificate to Delta Air Lines, Inc. does not constitute a

major regulatory action under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as

defined by section 313.4(a)( 1) of the Department’s regulations;

13 and

5. The public interest does not require an oral evidentiary hearing or a show-cause

proceeding on the applications and the actions taken here. There are no material,

determinative issues of fact requiring such procedures for their resolution.

In view of the above, and acting under authority assigned by the Department in its regulations,

14 CFR Part 385, we find that our action here is consistent with Department policy.

ACCORDINGLY,

1. We issue, in the form attached in Appendix A, a certificate of public convenience and 

necessity to Delta Air Lines, Inc., to serve open-skies partners, as defined by this

order;

2. We dismiss, as moot, the request of Delta Air Lines, Inc. for route integration

authority;

3. We defer action on the remainder of Delta Air Lines, Inc.’s requests;

4. This order supersedes any orders previously issued or actions taken by the

Department to the extent such order or action grants the carrier operating rights, by

certificate or exemption, to an open-skies partner;

5. The certificate issued to Delta Air Lines, Inc. will be effective upon the service date

of this order;

6. Unless disapproved by the President of the United States under 49 U.S.C. § 41307,

this order shall become effective upon the 61st day after its submission for § 41307 

review, or upon the date of receipt of advice from the President or his designee under

Executive Order 12597 and implementing regulations that he or she does not intend

to disapprove the Department’s order under that section, whichever occurs earlier;

14

and

7. We will serve this order on Delta Air Lines, Inc., the Ambassador in Washington,

D.C. of each foreign aviation partner that the applicant seeks authority to serve, the

 13 Our finding is based on the fact that the grant of this portion of the application would not result in a near-term

increase in annual fuel consumption in excess of 10 million gallons. 14 This order was submitted for section 41307 review on April 17, 2007. On April 27, 2007, we received notification

that the President’s designee, under Executive Order 12597 and implementing regulations, did not intend to disapprove

the Department’s Order.
U.S. Department of State (Office of Aviation Negotiations), and the Federal Aviation 

Administration.

By:

PAUL L. GRETCH

Director

Office of International Aviation

(SEAL)

Appendix

An electronic version of this document is available on the World Wide Web at

http://dms.dot.gov//reports/reports_ aviation.asp
APPENDIX A

Certificate of Public

Convenience and Necessity

For

Route 840

This Certifies That

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

is authorized subject to the provisions of Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United

States Code the orders rules and regulations issued thereunder and the

attached Terms Conditions and Limitations to engage in foreign air

transportation of persons, property and mail.

This Certificate is not transferable without the approval of the Department of

Transportation.

By Direction of the Secretary

Issued by Order 2007-4-27 Paul L. Gretch

On April 17, 2007 Director, Office of

Effective On April 27, 2007 International Aviation
Terms Conditions and Limitations

Delta Air Lines, Inc. for Route 840

is authorized to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and

mail between the United States and:

15 16

Albania

Aruba

Austria

Bahrain 

Belgium

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam*

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Chad

Chile* 

Cook Islands*

Costa Rica

Czech Republic

Denmark 

El Salvador

Ethiopia

Finland 

France

Gabon

The Gambia

Germany 

Ghana

Guatemala

Honduras

Iceland 

India

Indonesia

Italy 

Jamaica

Jordan 

Korea, Republic of

Kuwait

Liberia

Luxembourg 

Madagascar

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Morocco 

Namibia

Netherlands

Netherlands Antilles

New Zealand*

Nicaragua

Nigeria

Norway 

Oman 

Pakistan 

Panama

Paraguay

Peru 

Poland 

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Samoa* 

Senegal

Singapore* 

Slovak Republic

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland 

Taiwan 

Tanzania

Thailand

Tonga* 

Turkey 

Uganda

United Arab Emirates

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

This authority is subject to the following conditions:

(1) The holder shall at all times conduct its operations in accordance with the

regulations prescribed by the Department of Transportation for the services authorized by 

 15 The authority granted here to serve between the United States and the listed open-skies partners includes

authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within the places

identified, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights. 16 This list, as of April 17, 2007, identifies all current open-skies partners, that is (1) aviation partners with

whom the United States has an open-skies agreement that is currently being applied and (2) aviation

partners that are a signatory to the MALIAT. All open-skies partners shall be included in the carrier’s

certificate authority without the need for further action by the Department or the carrier. The Department’s

Office of International Aviation maintains a list at

http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/aviation/international/agreementsbeingapplied.htm. The holder shall be

responsible for operating at all times in compliance with the list maintained by the Department.

* - MALIAT partners
this certificate, and with such other reasonable terms, conditions, and limitations as the

Department of Transportation may prescribe in the public interest.

(2) The holder shall at all times conduct its operations in accordance with all treaties

and agreements between the United States and its foreign aviation partners, and the

exercise of the privileges granted by this certificate is subject to compliance with such 

treaties and agreements and with any order of the Department of Transportation issued 

under them. To the extent that the holder has authority to serve more than one foreign 

aviation partner or points in more than one foreign aviation partner on the same route,

that authority does not confer upon the holder any additional rights (including fifthfreedom intermediate and/or beyond rights) in limited-entry markets unless the

Department has completed any necessary carrier selection procedures to determine which 

carrier(s) should be authorized to exercise such rights and has notified the foreign

aviation partner(s) involved that any such selected carrier(s) has the required authority.

In such cases, the fact that the carrier may hold authority to serve the foreign aviation

partner at issue on the same segment will not be considered as providing any preference

to the holder in a carrier selection proceeding.

(3) The exercise of the authority granted here is subject to the holder’s first obtaining

from the appropriate foreign governments such operating rights as may be necessary.

(4) The holder’s authority to serve an open-skies partner under this certificate is

effective as long as that open-skies agreement is being applied. If an open-skies

agreement has been terminated or is no longer being applied, the holder’s authority under

this certificate to serve that open-skies partner will terminate in accordance with the

following procedures. The Department will issue a Notice and provide official notice in

the Federal Register announcing its decision to remove an open-skies partner from the list

of open-skies aviation agreements maintained by the Department. The holder’s authority 

under this certificate to serve the named open-skies partner(s) will terminate 120 days

after the publication date of the Notice. The holder may file an application for exemption

authority to continue service to that foreign aviation partner after the termination date.

(5) The holder’s authority under this certificate is effective only to the extent that

such operations comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal Aviation

Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and with all applicable U.S.

Government requirements concerning security, including, but not limited to, 40 CFR Part

1544. To assure compliance with all applicable U.S. Government requirements

concerning security, the holder shall, before commencing any new service (including

charter flights) to or from a foreign airport, contact its International Principal Security

Inspector (IPSI) to advise the IPSI of its plans and to find out whether the Transportation 

Security Administration has determined that security is adequate to allow such airport(s)

to be served.

(6) The holder shall at all times remain a “Citizen of the United States” as required by

49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(15).
(7) The holder shall maintain in effect liability insurance coverage as required under

14 CFR Part 205. Failure to maintain such insurance coverage will render a certificate

ineffective, and this or other failure to comply with the provisions of Subtitle VII of

49 U.S.C. or the Department’s regulations shall be sufficient grounds to revoke this

certificate.

(8) Should the holder propose any substantial changes in its ownership, management,

or operations (as that term is defined in 14 CFR 204.2(l)), it must first comply with the

requirements of 14 CFR 204.5.

(9) In the event that the holder ceases all operations for which it was found “fit,

willing, and able,” its authority under this certificate shall be suspended under the terms

of 14 CFR 204.7 and the holder may neither recommence nor advertise such operations

unless its fitness to do so has been determined by the Department.

This certificate shall become effective April 27, 2007.
EXHIBIT 5




EXHIBIT 6
SkyTeam’s Heathrow Lounge
EXHIBIT 7
Delta’s Boston Sky Club Provides Travelers With a

Comfortable Pre-Flight Environment
EXHIBIT 8
Delta’s New Miami Sky Club Provides Travelers With a

Comfortable Pre-Flight Environment

Delta’s new Miami Sky Club opened in 2009 and features:

• complimentary Wi-Fi, personal work stations, and 

conference rooms 

• other amenities, including a shower suite, 

satellite TV, a luggage room and complimentary snacks and beverages.
CONFIDENTIAL 

EXHIBIT 9
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 

A copy of the foregoing document has been served this 14th day of October, 2010, 

upon the following persons via email: 

BAAAIB.trustee@competitionrx.com 

matthew.gaved@competitionrx.com 

stephen.wainright@sdgworld.net 

linsey.mc-callum@ec.europa.eu 

todd.homan@dot.gov 

peter.irvine@dot.gov 

grady.stone@dot.gov 

esta.rosenberg@dot.gov 

byerlyjr@state.gov 

rob.hawks@faa.gov 

7-AWA-Slotadmin@faa.gov 

john.allen@faa.gov 

anita.mosner@hklaw.com 

carl.nelson@aa.com 

jeff.ogar@aa.com 

paul.jasinski@ba.com 

libowd@sullcrom.com 

dhainbach@ggh-airlaw.com 

wkaras@steptoe.com 

sami.sarelius@finnair.fi 

mholland@condonlaw.com 

dan.weiss@coair.com 

hkamen@coair.com 

steve.morrissey@united.com 

jeffrey.manley@united.com 

howard.kass@usairways.com 

benjamin.slocum@usairways.com 

info@airlineinfo.com 
EXHIBIT 10