Delta Air Lines Opens New Sales Office in Beijing, China

One of the leading U.S. airlines underscores its interest in offering only nonstop flights to China from Atlanta in time for the 2008 Olympics

BEIJING, November 9, 2005 – Delta Air Lines Inc., one of the leading U.S. airlines, today officially opened its Beijing Sales Office, underscoring its interest to serve the People’s Republic of China with the only flights to China from Atlanta, Georgia in time for the 2008 Olympics. The office – located at China Life Tower, 5th Floor Suite #C-1, 16 Chao Yang Men Wai Street, Beijing – will offer travelers help with airline tickets, airline reservations and air travel Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. except for holidays.

“We are pleased to have this new sales office selling airline tickets to customers who wish to travel on Delta Air Lines to the USA or anywhere in the world Delta and our worldwide partners fly,” said Delta’s Vice President of International and Alliances Mr. Jorge Fernandez. “This office will physically represent Delta Air Lines even though we do not currently serve China with our own aircraft. We are very optimistic that Delta will be chosen to offer Chinese travelers the world’s only nonstop service between China and the U.S. Southeast in 2008 or earlier, if possible, when the next designation is given.”

Mr. Fernandez added that Delta is eager to begin nonstop service between Beijing and Atlanta in time for the summer Games of 2008 Olympics. “As the no. 1 carrier in Atlanta – the largest airport in the world – Delta was a critical sponsor of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and we would like to put that experience to good use in China.” If selected, Delta’s new Atlanta service would offer Chinese travelers a more convenient connecting opportunity than any other U.S. gateway city with access to more than 190 U.S. cities. Delta’s Atlanta hub is the world’s largest airline hub operation, and based on current schedules, Atlanta will be the second-largest U.S. international gateway behind New York City when Delta launches its full transatlantic expansion in Summer 2006. He also said that China represents the fastest growing region for international travelers and cargo shippers from the Southeastern United States.

Offering help with airline tickets, airline reservations and air travel in China is part of Delta’s business strategy, which also includes its recent announcement of the largest international expansion in its history. Since January 2005, the airline has announced its intentions to serve more than 50 new international markets, making Delta the fastest-growing U.S. carrier to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America. Delta’s increased international service also will present multiple opportunities for freight forwarders and cargo shippers.

Delta Air Lines is the world’s second-largest airline in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. carrier across the Atlantic, offering daily flights to 502 destinations in 92 countries on Delta, Song, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers and its worldwide partners. Delta’s marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem frequent flier miles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com

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Anthony Black

Senior Manager - Media Relations

Delta Air Lines Inc.

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