Delta Introduces New Connection Flights Across Upstate New York Including, Albany, Massena And Watertown

Delta Air Lines will continue to increase its presence across upstate New York with the addition of 22 new Delta Connection flights at Albany, Massena, Ogdensburg and Watertown, effective April 8. The flights will connect customers in these four upstate cities directly to Delta’s gateway at Boston, with additional nonstop service offered between Albany and Watertown with continuing service to Massena and Ogdensburg. Delta Connection carrier Big Sky Airlines will operate the new service.

“Our expansion in Boston and continued growth in New York -- both through our JFK hub and in upstate cities -- offers customers a convenient way to conduct business throughout the Northeast,” said Bob Cortelyou, Delta’s vice president of Network Planning. “As Boston’s leading carrier in terms of flights and destinations, customers in Upstate New York also have new connecting opportunities aboard more than 110 flights to 33 nonstop destinations offered by Delta and its partners.”

Delta’s new service includes three round-trip flights between Boston and Watertown with continuing service to Massena and Ogdensburg as well as two round-trip flights between Albany and Boston, and one round-trip flight between Albany and Watertown with connecting service to Massena and Ogdensburg.

“This is great news for travelers and businesses across the North County and Capital Region,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “There is no question that this significant expansion to a vital international market shows that upstate air service is taking off. This new service will be a shot in the arm and I look forward to working with Big Sky and Delta to continue this exciting expansion.”

Big Sky Airlines will operate the service using 19-seat Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, featuring stand-up cabins. Customers flying the new service will enjoy the extensive amenities afforded by Delta’s new Terminal A facility at Logan Airport, including business services, shopping and restaurants. The new terminal boasts state-of-the-art technology to ensure a convenient travel experience for customers, including 32 self-service kiosks, gate information display screens at every gate and two Crown Room Clubs.

“Big Sky Airlines is excited to become a Delta Connection carrier. We are delighted to provide improved air service and lower fares for upstate New York,” said Fred deLeeuw, president - Big Sky Airlines. “Travelers from upstate New York can now conveniently and affordably travel to Boston and beyond using Delta’s extensive nonstop service to popular destinations throughout the United States and the world.”

In December, Delta announced an agreement with Big Sky Airlines through which Delta would grow its Boston operation with an 18 percent increase in departures. Big Sky initially will fly eight Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on short-haul routes in the Northeast, including those announced today. Additional routes will be announced later this spring.

Today, Delta offers passengers the most flights to the most destinations from Boston compared to any domestic airline. With the March 2007 schedule, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer 33 daily departures to 103 nonstop destinations. As a member of the SkyTeam(r) global alliance, Delta offers Boston customers the ability to fly non-stop to key business and leisure destinations in Europe aboard SkyTeam partners Air France and Alitalia.