November 26, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: David Allen, Airport Manager at 234-6154

DELTA/NORTHWEST MERGER IMPROVES GLOBAL SERVICE

Flying from Pocatello Regional Airport Keeps Getting Better

Delta Air Lines is making significant improvements to their global travel network. “These changes will make travel on Delta, and from Pocatello, even more attractive than before” said Pocatello Regional Airport Manager David Allen.

Allen is certain that recent Delta announcements will offer significant improvements to Delta service. First, Delta is beginning new routes with destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia, and increasing connectivity between domestic hubs to improve access to these new destinations. Second, an expanded marketing alliance with Alaska Airlines will connect Delta travelers to Alaska Air’s significant route structure to Mexico and Alaska. Finally, while not affecting connectivity, Allen is also happy with Delta’s continuing customer service improvements, which most recently included implementation of more time-saving technology on line and at the ticket counter.

New International Routes and Connections to Get You There

Delta announced on November 12 that they will add 15 new international routes for summer 2009, including service to 12 destinations not flown by any other US carrier. Of significance will be a route between Salt Lake City and Tokyo. The recent merger of Delta with Northwest Airlines will also provide connecting service from Tokyo to nine Asian markets not previously served by Delta, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“Delta recently initiated service between Salt Lake City and Paris, providing convenient service for Southeast Idaho residents to Paris and beyond,” Allen said. “With the addition of a Salt Lake – Tokyo route Delta is poised to offer the only trans-pacific service from the Rocky Mountain region.”

Other new Delta destinations, while not connecting directly from Salt Lake City, will allow Delta’s Southeast Idaho travelers to connect to various locations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including seven new African destinations.

In the same announcement, Delta indicated they would increase capacity between domestic hubs in January 2009 by 14.5% compared to last January. The purpose is to better connect Delta passengers to the departing hub for these new international destinations, but Allen said the increased capacity should also make domestic travel a little easier. “Almost all traffic nowadays requires a hub-to-hub segment. Increased capacity equates to better connections for both international and domestic travel.

“Improving the connectivity of every Delta hub builds a stronger platform to take customers from all over the United States to destinations around the globe,” Glen Hauenstein, executive vice president of Network Planning and Revenue Management, said in the release. “Each Delta hub has a unique role in the new Delta network, and we will continue to invest in the infrastructure to make each hub successful and ensure it is conveniently connected to the world.”

Allen notes the increased capacity includes additional service between Salt Lake City and Detroit and new service between Salt Lake City and Memphis. “This is what we wanted to see. Delta is showing a real commitment to their hubs, including Salt Lake City,” he said.

Upgraded Partnership with Alaska Air Group Opens Mexico and Alaska Access

Allen says another recent announcement will provide vastly improved connectivity for Delta passengers traveling to destinations in Mexico and Alaska. A joint announcement between Delta and Alaska Air Group made November 17 said the two airlines had agreed in principle to become preferred alliance partners on the west coast. An important feature of this amendment to an existing marketing agreement will be the connecting opportunities to more than 50 destinations beyond Los Angeles, more than 70 destinations beyond Seattle, more than 30 destinations beyond Portland and nearly 20 destinations beyond San Francisco. The new agreement will be implemented by the end of 2009.

“The partnership with Alaska Air gives Delta travelers access to a considerable network that supports major destinations in Mexico and Alaska,” Allen said. “This will compliment Delta’s already considerable route structure and help create truly global access.”

Delta Offers Customers Even More Time-Saving Technology

On November 19 Delta announced simplified on-line ticket purchasing and an improved kiosk experience at the airport ticket counter. At www.delta.com, Delta customers will be able to save their profiles and reduce steps in the booking process. For some, the new process could allow booking a flight in less than 30 seconds. Also, new programming at the kiosks reduces the number of screens a passenger clicks through when checking in. Customers without bags may bypass the checked-baggage screens and for some the transaction could take only one from start to finish. The new system also provides easy access to flight itineraries and destination weather information.

“Our goal at Pocatello Regional Airport is to provide the best possible traveler experience. I am pleased to see Delta taking this same direction,” Allen said. He noted the airport’s own recent customer service initiatives, such as free wi-fi and coffee. “These are value-added items. Combined with free parking and convenient, friendly service, they enhance the traveler’s experience,” Allen said.

Allen believes all of the recent Delta announcements show that Delta has positioned itself as the premier US air carrier. “The merge with Northwest, the new international routes, the connectivity within and support of domestic hubs, strategic agreements with Alaska Air and other carriers and the pursuit of improved customer service all are indications that Delta has established itself as a truly global network,” Allen said, adding, “I feel fortunate that Pocatello Regional Airport offers our passengers access to such an outstanding airline.”

For questions or additional information, contact David Allen at 234-6154.

# # #