WHILE THE current turbulence in the airline industry has forced many airlines to undergo major restructuring, including having to hike airfares to keep afloat, Delta Airlines has announced a 50 per cent cut in airfares in addition to plans to redesign the appearance of its fleet.However, the national carrier Air Jamaica, which has a code-sharing partnership with Delta, said the cut in airfares would not apply to Air Jamaica passengers. Sandrea Falconer, Air Jamaica's director of communications, said Delta's SimpliFare did not apply to international fares and would not "affect us or the relationship."
IMPROVING TRAVEL
Delta announced last week that it had effectively expanded its SimpliFares discount programme nationwide, almost six months after introducing the programme in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to the airline, this was done as part of efforts to improve travel and attain significant savings through "simpler, more efficient ways of doing business."
"We're expanding SimpliFares based on feedback from our customers, who are calling for simpler, more affordable everyday fares," Delta's chief executive officer (CEO) said. He added: "Taking SimpliFares nationwide is part of Delta's commitment to improve the travel experience and also to produce significant savings through simply, more efficient ways of doing business and there's more to come."
Under the promotion, Delta said no fare would be more than US$499 for economy travel and US$599 for first-class travel one way. In addition, the ticket change fee has been reduced from US$100 to US$50. Delta said it would be redesigning its aircraft cabins with new all-leather interiors and has simplified its SkyMiles programme.
