SEATTLE- Delta Air Lines (DL), the largest global airline in Seattle, is set to expand its Asia network next summer by introducing daily nonstop flights from Seattle (SEA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), starting on June 6, 2024, pending government approval.
This launch represents Delta’s inaugural nonstop connection to Taipei from the U.S. and marks the airline’s first operation to TPE since 2017, which previously involved a stopover at Narita International Airport.
Delta Seattle to Taipei Flights
Joan Wang, Managing Director – Global Sales, Seattle, highlighted the significance of this new route, stating,
“This route not only opens new doors to Taipei’s captivating skyline, vibrant night markets, and rich cultural heritage, but it also marks a significant stride in enhancing Seattle’s global connectivity. This strategic addition to Delta’s trans-Pacific portfolio is poised to make a profound impact on the Seattle market, fostering increased business and leisure travel opportunities for our discerning customers.”
Celebrating its 90th anniversary in Seattle this December, Delta has a long history dating back to the operations of Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines) in 1933.
Delta commenced its flights from SEA on June 1, 1980, connecting the city with Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Portland (PDX). With over 160 daily departures from SEA to 50 destinations worldwide, Seattle serves as a crucial gateway for Delta’s operations across the Pacific.
The addition of the TPE route brings the total non-stop trans-Pacific destinations to four, including existing routes to Incheon (ICN), Tokyo (HND), and Shanghai (PVG).
Restoring Asia-Pacific Flights
“The announcement today is warmly received by the Port of Seattle as Delta continues to strengthen SEA’s position as a hub and the west coast gateway to Asia,” commented Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho.
“With the recent introduction of the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) in 2022, SEA is creating an impressive entry point for those visiting and conducting business in the Puget Sound region. We are thrilled that Delta is demonstrating its commitment to advancing this vision.”
Delta is actively restoring and extending services across Asia and the Pacific beyond Seattle. In 2023, the airline has:
- Revealed plans for a second daily flight to ICN from ATL.
- Expanded flights to China from four times per week to 10 times per week (seven weekly flights to PVG from SEA and three weekly flights to PVG from DTW).
- Resumed services to HND from Honolulu (HNL) and Minneapolis (MSP).
- Launched the first-ever Auckland (AKL) from LAX service, establishing itself as the sole U.S. carrier operating LAX-AKL year-round.
- Increased flights to Sydney (SYD) from 10 weekly to 14 weekly in the winter from LAX.
Jeff Moomaw, Vice President – APAC, expressed excitement about the return of demand in the Asia-Pacific region, stating, “As APAC demand returns, we are excited to launch our seventh non-stop international market in the Pacific, solidifying our commitment to robust and consistent growth in the region. This strategic addition underscores Delta’s dedication to expanding our network and offering customers seamless connectivity.”
A330neo to Serve this Sector
This daily, year-round route to Taipei will be served by an Airbus A330-900neo featuring Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin experiences.
Passengers can anticipate Delta’s exceptional service and a distinctively premium onboard journey as they traverse the Pacific. Delta One customers can unwind in a lie-flat seat, relishing premium amenities such as plush bedding crafted from recycled plastic bottles, an expanded array of beverage choices, and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal.
Travelers in Delta Premium Select will enjoy added space for relaxation, featuring a broader seat, increased recline, and adjustable footrest and leg rest.
In addition to Delta’s direct commitment to the Pacific region, customers benefit from expanded flight options through its prosperous joint venture with Korean Air. Passengers can seamlessly connect to 80 destinations in Asia via Korean Air’s hub at ICN.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.