Delta Plans to Add Flights from Heathrow to Boston and Miami

Delta Air Lines has announced its intentions to add more destinations from London Heathrow to Boston and Miami.

The airline has filed applications with the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting permission to operate twice-daily year-round service between Heathrow and Boston, and a daily year-round service between Heathrow and Miami.

Delta, a member of the Skyteam alliance, aims to increase competition among airlines and airline alliances that fly between the US and Heathrow. Currently the route is tightly restricted by airport slot restraints and other alliances hold a large monopoly on slots. The oneworld alliance, which includes American Airlines and British Airways, holds 47% percent of Heathrow’s takeoff and landing slots, while the Star Alliance, which includes United Airlines, US Airways, BMI and Lufthansa, accounts for 25% of Heathrow’s slots.

“Delta’s new service would provide more choices and competition for customers traveling between these important U.S. cities and London, one of the most popular destinations in Europe for both business and leisure travelers,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network Planning and Revenue Management.

Slots are now available after the government required British Airways and American Airlines to divest some of their slots in order to enhance competition.

The Boston to Heathrow route is popular with Business travellers in the financial services and technology industries and attracts more than 270,000 passengers annually. Delta hopes to operate two flights daily to Heathrow using a Boeing 767-300ER with 36 BusinessElite seats.

Delta is Florida’s largest carrier offering international service, and the second-largest carrier in Miami. If approved, Delta would operate one daily flight between Miami and Heathrow using Boeing 767-300 aircraft. The flight would depart Miami at 5:30pm arriving Heathrow at 7:30am the next day. The return leg would depart from Heathrow at 10:20am and arrive in Miami at 3:25pm.

So what do you get as a passenger flying in Business Class with Delta?

As a BusinessElite customer, you’re invited to use the Delta Sky Club and take advantage of all Sky Priority services, designed to speed your trip through the airport. On-board you’ll be treated to a Flat Bed seat on flights across the Atlantic so you can arrive at your destination fully rested and refreshed. The brand new flat bed seats offer extra leg room, privacy, and aisle access. Dining consists of a five-course menu featuring entrées from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and passengers can enjoy benefits from the industry’s leading frequent flyer program—SkyMiles.

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