Delta to Adjust Service to Smaller, Underperforming Markets

Delta Air Lines DAL today will notify the U.S. Department of Transportation of its plans to adjust flying in 24 small markets. In concert with the retirement of Delta's Saab fleet and to halt $14 million in annual losses, the changes will affect Essential Air Service markets. Airline retires Saab fleet, cites $14 million in annual loss with average load factor of 52 percent for 24 underperforming markets, will apply for increased Essential Air Service subsidy in nine markets Flights in these markets on average depart with 52 percent of the seats filled, with some locations as low as 12 percent. This compares to a domestic system load factor of 83 percent for 2010. Weak demand in some markets has led to flights occasionally operated with no passengers on board.