Delta Airlines, the US carrier which operates daily flights between Atlanta and Lagos, said it is transforming the customer experience on flights between Nigeria and the United States with more than $3 billion investment in airport facilities and global products, services and technology through 2013.
Speaking at the annual Business Traveller Africa Expo and Conference, Bobby Bryan, Delta’s commercial manager East and West Africa, highlighted a range of in-flight and on the ground benefits to improve the product offering for customers flying on Delta’s daily non-stop service between Lagos and the U.S.
“Delta introduced its new fully flat-bed seat between Lagos and Atlanta in September 2012 and we currently offer 500 weekly business class seats. Nigeria was one of the first markets to receive the new Business Elite product which reflects the value of the Nigerian market to Delta.” he said.
In June, Delta’s Business Elite passengers will see the introduction of the Westin Heavenly in-flight bedding transforming the sleep experience in the air.
The luxury bed quilt is designed and manufactured exclusively for Delta by Westin Hotels & Resorts.
In addition, Delta has also introduced a new Business Elite amenity kit featuring celebrated travel accessory brand, Tumi and Malin+Goetz products.
According to management, Delta is continuing its investment in new technology to simplify the customer journey and provide greater control over the travel experience, including the launch of the Fly Delta App for iPad and improvements to its website.
Bryan noted that Delta currently operates the world’s largest fleet of Wi-Fi ready aircraft and will begin to roll out Wi-Fi for its long-haul services in 2014 while enhancements are also being rolled out on the ground.
“Delta’s Sky Priority passengers enjoy streamlined services at check-in, security and baggage claim as well as access to Delta’s award-winning lounges. Last year, Delta opened its new international terminal in Atlanta creating a state-of-the art gateway, this May, Delta will unveil its $1.4 billion new terminal 4 at New York JFK airport where Delta has established itself as the leading US airline.”
Speaking on its operations in Africa, Bryan said Delta has transported almost three million passengers on its Africa services since the airline launched its first flights from the continent in December 2006.
The airline flies to five cities in five African countries namely: Accra, Ghana, Dakar, Senegal, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Monrovia, Liberia.
Also, it operates a one-year Business Internship Program in five African nations including Nigeria, offering African students valuable work experience gained within a global organisation.
With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 319 destinations in 59 countries on six continents.
SADE WILLIAMS
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