The summer was record-setting with Delta carrying out its largest transatlantic operation ever, offering more than 670 weekly flights and connections from 11 North American cities to 27 European destinations, including Portugal. “We anticipate a stronger 2025 than 2024. In this context, we highlight the introduction, in March, of the brand new and advanced Airbus A330-900neo in the summer 2025 operation on both routes in Portugal, which represented a significant increase in capacity of around 30%”, highlights António Herrero.
Starting next year, Delta Air Lines will debut the first direct daily flight to Porto. The connection between Invicta and JFK airport, in New York, starts on May 21st. “Until now, thanks to our transatlantic partnership, our customers have been able to reach Porto and surrounding areas via codeshare flights operated by our partners KLM, from Amsterdam, and Air France, from Paris-CDG. The new direct flight is part of Delta’s broader expansion across the Atlantic and reflects the company’s commitment to offering more destinations, more flights and superior experiences”, he highlights.
A return to the Azores, where the North American carrier operated a seasonal flight between 2018 and 2019, is not, for now, on the table. “It is not in our plan at the moment. We naturally continue to monitor the competitive landscape in all the markets where we operate and are always evaluating new opportunities based on demand, connectivity and strategic suitability”, explains the spokesperson.
Asked about the constraints at Portela, Herrero assures that they have not impacted the operation. “While we understand the challenges faced by Vinci at Lisbon airport, which serves one of the world’s most popular destinations, Delta has always been able to obtain the slots it needs and is satisfied with its flight schedule and with direct services between Portugal and the United States. Likewise, we maintain an excellent and long-lasting relationship with ANA/Vinci Airports”, he says.
Regarding the future airport in Alcochete, he says he follows the dossier “with interest”.
*The journalist traveled to Madrid at the invitation of Delta Air Lines