Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer
UNITED STATES-based Delta Airlines is to start non-stop flights from Jamaica to Atlanta on June 1.
The company is targeting Jamaicans who conduct business in Atlanta, a commercial hub where a significant portion of the diaspora is concentrated.
The company will be offering mail service and might introduce special fares for its two flight classes, first class and economy. It will offer non-stop flights daily from Kingston to Atlanta. Currently Delta flies non-stop from Montego Bay to Atlanta and Montego Bay to Cincinnati.
There is some speculation, however, that Delta's service might create more competition for the island's national carrier, Air Jamaica. The company is only just recovering from a US$119 million (J$7.7 billion) loss last year. It is projecting a further, but decreased, loss this year of US$32.6 million (J$2 billion) due to operation adjustments.
AIR JAMAICA MUM
The competition also comes in light of the Cricket World Cup next year and possible earnings that could be reaped from it.
When contacted on Wednesday, Air Jamaica officials declined to comment on what the added competition might mean for the company.
"You know we are a co-share partner with them, so it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment," Sandrea Falconer, director of communications, told The Gleaner.
