Delta Air Lines is plotting routes East and West as it strengthens its Summer 2025 operational plan.
Going East – Minneapolis-St. Paul to Copenhagen
Delta is increasing connectivity to Europe with the addition of a brand-new nonstop service from its hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul to Copenhagen, starting May 2025, operating three times weekly. With the addition of this new route, Delta will provide customers travelling from Minneapolis-St. Paulnonstop access to seven European gateways.
The route is being launched in conjunction with SAS, which joined SkyTeam in September, and deepened each other’s ties with a codeshare agreement that will add 80 destinations beyond Copenhagen.
The route will be operated with an Airbus A330-300, configured with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.
Going West – Los Angeles to Shanghai
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, Delta will relaunch its nonstop service between Los Angeles and Shanghai in June 2025 (subject to governmental approval).
The LAX-PVG route will operate three times weekly on Delta’s Airbus A350-900 including the latest in premium travel with Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin experiences.
With the return of Los Angeles-Shanghai service, Delta will operate 17 weekly flights between the U.S. and China, including existing routes from Detroit and Seattle.
This builds on the LAX buildout, including new and resumed services to Auckland, Paris, and Brisbane starting on 4th December.
Premium passengers will be able to access the Delta One Lounge in Los Angeles too, as well as the improved ground services being offered.
In Quotes
Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning on the Copenhagen route noted:
“Delta continues to strengthen its global network and offers unparalleled access to Europe from Minneapolis-St. Paul with this new direct service to Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities,” said
“This route creates an invaluable connection between two major SkyTeam partner hubs, providing unrivaled connectivity and travel options for customers traveling between Scandinavia and North America.”
On the Shanghai route, he adds:
“As the leading global airline at LAX, Delta remains committed to providing our Los Angeles customers with seamless access to destinations worldwide,”
. “Our recent investment in the new Delta One Lounge and the broader airport improvements reflects our dedication to elevating every step of our customers’ journey— from the moment they arrive at the airport to their arrival at their final destination.”
Connections and Connectivity
With Delta Air Lines adjusting some of its plans (which include a big push for Europe), when looking east, the airline is looking at hub-to-hub/hub and spoke as its leading strategy, driving its passengers through hubs onto trunk services, and then letting their partners help funnel them through when arriving in Europe. With SAS signing a codeshare, it’ll provide more one-ticket options in that direction.
Meanwhile, the commitment to restart to China shows there is still a lot of softness in the market between Asia and North America – with the airline only committing to three flights a week at the launch of the route. Whilst important for connectivity, it’s enough for the airline to “dip its toe” back into the market to see if the route is still viable – or if it will need further expansion.
For Travellers – it gives the one thing we crave when searching for tickets – more choices when choosing who they want to travel with.
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