Delta Air Lines is set to increase its footprint in Africa, leveraging partnerships to enhance connectivity and boost economic development on the continent. The airline has seen an increase in demand for its African destinations and has identified the region as one of importance. It has tailored its operations to meet the requirements of passengers traveling between the US and its various destinations on the continent.

Post-Pandemic Demand

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger traffic in Africa has significantly recovered in 2023. Certain regions have surpassed pre-pandemic activity, with Central and West Africa at 108%, Eastern Africa at 110%, and Northern Africa at 111% of 2019 levels. Conversely, passenger traffic in Southern Africa is recovering slowly, at 86% of 2019 levels. The figures for all these regions are expected to continue rising going into 2024. Delta’s load factors in and out of Africa have been very high this year, and the airline says it has returned to 2019 levels.

Delta Air Lines Commitment to Serving Africa

Delta has served Africa for over 17 years, the longest of any US carrier. From Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), it flies to several destinations in Africa under its code, including ten flights a week to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) and Cape Town International (CPT). With hundreds of well-established destinations in markets of higher activity, the airline is looking to scale up operations in other regions and has identified Africa as a growth area.

Delta Air Line is Working with Partners

The carrier is also working with joint venture partners, such as Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, to serve more African cities. This month, Air France launched Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights to Dar es Salaam via Zanzibar, giving Delta access to another destination in East Africa. As a SkyTeam member, Delta also has a strategic partnership with Kenya Airways, allowing passengers to travel from specific African destinations to the USA via Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO).

Delta Air Lines provides tailored Services and Community Engagement

Delta has tailored its services and in-flight experience to meet the requirements of passengers from different markets. This includes serving local dishes from countries they are flying to and offering local channel broadcasts as part of the in-flight entertainment. The airline’s operations in Africa are profitable, so it is now working with different communities to enhance development and promote sustainability.

Delta is engaging in various projects to reduce waste and provide employment for disadvantaged individuals. The airline has reduced plastic waste by 90,000 pounds a year by using sustainable products in its amenity kits, which are handmade by disadvantaged people.

Delta Air Lines has realized the potential of the African air transport market and is committed to enhancing connectivity to boost socio-economic development across the region. The airline has tailored its operations to meet the requirements of passengers traveling to and from the continent, and it is working with its partners to expand its footprint in Africa. Delta is also engaging with local communities to promote sustainability and reduce waste while providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

So, Have you ever flown with Delta Air Lines to Africa? How was your experience?

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