Delta AirElite Adds Challenger 604 to Growing Charter Fleet

Aircraft Addition Enhances Large Cabin Charter Capabilities

CINCINNATI, Oct. 31, 2006 – Delta AirElite Business Jets continues to enhance its ability to respond to increased customer demand by adding another Challenger 604 to its charter fleet. The aircraft, which will be operated under Delta AirElite’s FAR Part 135 operating certificate, is based at the Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We’ve experienced increased demand in all aspects of our business, due to the growth of our Fleet Charter and Fleet Membership programs,” said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive officer of Delta AirElite Business Jets. “Demand for international flights has been especially strong, and the added Challenger 604 will help us continue to meet this demand.”

Delta AirElite is one the largest operators of Challenger 604s in the industry. The aircraft is widely used for regional trips as well as intercontinental flights. It has been exceptionally popular for flights to Europe and South America.

"The addition of the Challenger 604 continues our fleet growth at Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport,” added Green. “With its central, Midwestern base, we expect it to be very popular with our customers for a variety of trips.”

The 10-passenger Challenger 604 offers the widest passenger cabin of any true corporate jet. The aircraft is known for its spacious stand-up cabin and passenger amenities. The aircraft also offers intercontinental capability with a range of 4,600 miles at a maximum cruise speed of 533 mph.

With access to more than 400 business jets positioned throughout the United States, Delta AirElite is strategically increasing its fleet size through charter management agreements. The agreements allow Delta AirElite to increase aircraft availability without large capital commitments and offer on-demand charter service on a broad base of high-quality, well-maintained corporate jets. Charter management agreements are also an attractive option for corporations and aircraft owners who want to lower aircraft ownership costs and generate revenue by having their corporate jets certified for Delta AirElite’s commercial charter operations. The additional aircraft also support member travel for Delta AirElite’s Fleet Membership program.

Delta AirElite Business Jets is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, providing aircraft charter, aircraft management and its innovative Fleet Membership and Flexjet 25 jet card programs. Delta AirElite was the first private jet operator to offer a national jet card program. With more than 21 years of serving business aviation travelers, Delta AirElite is the only business jet operator owned by a major U.S. airline. The company operates a diverse fleet of Bombardier Challenger, Learjet, Gulfstream, Hawker and Cessna aircraft.

Contact Information

Julie Stone

Public Relations/Media

Delta AirElite Business Jets

Contact via E-mail