Delta Air Lines has reached a definitive agreement with US Airways to exchange certain flying rights and airport facilities at New York's LaGuardia and Washington's Reagan National airports, allowing Delta to expand its New York customer service and convenience by creating a domestic hub at LaGuardia Airport.
The agreement, which is subject to government approvals, calls for US Airways to transfer 125 operating slot pairs to Delta at LaGuardia and Delta to transfer 42 operating slot pairs to US Airways at Reagan National. The airlines also will swap gates at LaGuardia between the Marine Air Terminal and US Airways' Terminal C to consolidate all Delta operations, including the Delta Shuttle, into an expanded main terminal facility with 11 additional gates for Delta customers.
"Delta's decision to expand service and build a new hub at LaGuardia Airport is the latest example of major employers betting big on New York City's future," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "If the plan is approved, Delta will invest $40 million in terminal enhancements, bringing new jobs to Queens. By flying larger jets, Delta's plan would allow LaGuardia to serve an additional two million passengers without increasing the number of takeoffs or landings, bringing greater efficiency to our airport system. We want to enhance passenger experience and heighten New York City's standing as the top destination for tourists and business travelers, and these kinds of investments go a long way toward helping us achieve that. At a time when the airline industry is struggling - like most industries - to cope with the national economic recession, this decision by Delta is a real vote of confidence in the future of our City, and it will help both Delta and New York City compete in the global marketplace."