{"id":99403,"date":"2025-06-13T04:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T22:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=99403"},"modified":"2025-06-13T03:26:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T21:56:09","slug":"delta-restarts-flights-to-this-asian-country-after-6-year-hiatus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/13\/delta-restarts-flights-to-this-asian-country-after-6-year-hiatus\/","title":{"rendered":"Delta Restarts Flights to this Asian Country After 6-Year Hiatus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SEOUL-<\/strong> Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines (DL)<\/a> has resumed direct service between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Incheon International Airport (ICN), marking its official return to South Korea after a six-year pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This relaunch coincides with Delta’s 100th anniversary and positions the airline to better serve Korean passengers while expanding its reach across the U.S. via its Salt Lake City hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 | Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delta Restarts Salt Lake City to Seoul Flight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The newly launched Salt Lake City\u2013Seoul route reflects Delta\u2019s broader strategic efforts to reinforce its trans-Pacific network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operated in partnership with Korean Air (KE)<\/a>, this new service gives Korean travelers access to 35 U.S. cities through SLC, with efficient international-to-domestic connections averaging just 55 minutes, comparable to transfer times at Incheon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Moomaw, Delta’s Vice President of Asia Pacific, highlighted the significance of the launch at a press event in Seoul. \u201cThis year marks Delta\u2019s 100th anniversary. Introducing a new route to Korea during this milestone makes the occasion even more special,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta and Korean Air have operated a joint venture since 2018, and this collaboration now connects Seoul to 14 destinations across the United States. As a result, Delta has become the largest long-haul foreign carrier at Incheon International Airport (ICN)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta emphasized its commitment to deepening ties with Korean Air, describing the alliance as the leading trans-Pacific joint venture. Joint efforts include co-developed digital platforms and streamlined booking systems, allowing passengers to use either airline’s mobile app for reservations and check-in across both networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moomaw explained, \u201cTogether, we\u2019ve made joint investments in digital solutions and customer experience improvements to deliver top-tier service.\u201d The integrated experience aims to provide travelers with a seamless journey, from booking to arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: Salt Lake City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Addressing Market Dynamics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regarding recent investor activity involving Hanjin KAL\u2014the parent of Korean Air\u2014Delta downplayed speculation about management instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoban Construction recently acquired an 18.46% stake in Hanjin KAL, prompting speculation of a control dispute. However, Delta views the investment as non-disruptive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have good trust in Walter Cho (Korean Air Chairman),\u201d Moomaw stated. \u201cWe view Hoban\u2019s stake increase as a simple investment.\u201d In response to the move, Hanjin transferred treasury shares to its employee welfare fund, increasing Cho\u2019s stake to 20.79% and maintaining a lead over Hoban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta itself holds a 14.9% stake in Hanjin KAL, underscoring its vested interest in the long-term stability of Korean Air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta also reaffirmed its strong support for the proposed merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, viewing it as an opportunity to align flights with market demand and improve service quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are very excited about the acquisition,\u201d Moomaw said. \u201cOur priority remains aligning the right flights with the right markets to provide the best possible service to our passengers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Summer 2025 Routes to Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delta Air Lines launched its most extensive transatlantic summer schedule to date, introducing new direct flights from major U.S. hubs including New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Minneapolis\u2013St. Paul (MSP) and Detroit (DTW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With expanded service to Europe, Delta becomes the largest U.S. carrier to destinations such as Italy, France, Greece, and Denmark, and the only U.S. airline flying nonstop to Prague (PRG) this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta Air Lines (DL) is not only adding capacity but also infusing its network expansion with vibrant, culture-rich celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline has ramped up operations to key European cities, reinforcing its leadership in transatlantic travel and spotlighting Italy as a central focus. Service to Italy has increased by over 10% year-over-year, solidifying Delta as the top U.S. carrier in the Italian market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each new route launch was marked by festive events at departure gates, highlighting the cultural identity of the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n