Delta Airlines has a very strong presence in New York. They are the largest carrier at LGA, and are fighting to become the dominant carrier in JFK. The airline has undergone massive enhancement projects at both airports. They are the ones spearheading the remodel of LGA. At JFK, Delta expanded their operations in Terminal 4 into a global hub. The airline continues to expand their portfolio of destinations from JFK as Delta launches New York-Lagos flight. This is their second flight to Nigeria. Delta currently flies to Lagos from their hub in Atlanta.
What to Expect:
Delta will be launching the flight on March 24 of next year. The airline will fly the route 3 times a week, with an A330-200. The aircraft will have 34 Delta One lie flat seats, 32 Comfort+ Seats, and 168 Economy seats. Delta will offer all their usual Delta One amenities on the flight. From JFK, Delta flies to their other African destinations of Dakar and Accra. The other flight to Africa Delta has to Johannesburg is from Atlanta.
Delta One A330
Why Lagos?
I can see this as a good opportunity for Delta to expand on the market that United abandoned a few years ago. United used to fly from Houston to Lagos (two major oil and energy centers). After this flight dropped, the only airline flying to Lagos from the US was Delta, and then Arik Air launched their flights. Since then, Arik Air has suspended their flights to the US and Europe. The airline has had a very trouble financial past, although they still have a few 787s on order. I don’t expect these aircraft will ever fly for Arik Air.
As it stands, Delta currently has a monopoly on flights from Lagos to the US. With the addition of JFK-Lagos, they are positioning themselves to become the premier US airline to Africa. Delta, and Skyteam, do not have a strong presence in Africa. With the addition of Delta flights to these destinations, Kenya Airways could cooperate more strongly with Skyteam’s leading airline.
Delta A330-200
Landing Thoughts:
I am unsurprised at Delta’s expansion in JFK. I give Delta a very hard time for their treatment of frequent flyers. In my opinion, they are the best run airline, but often usher consumer unfriendly policies that are adopted by other airlines. That being said, they have the best and most comprehensive international network in the US. Their partnerships with Air France/KLM and Virgin Atlantic have recently improved, meaning even more connections for passengers. I expect Delta to continue to provide a consistent connection to Nigeria, and to the world beyond.
What do you think? Will you fly Delta to Lagos from JFK? Who is your preferred airline to Africa? Let us know!
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All images from Wikimedia Commons.
“they have the best and most comprehensive international network in the US.” this statement is rather stretching the truth. Their only real strength over UA and AA are to Africa. To South America : AA eats everyone’s lunch To Mexico and central America : let’s just say it’s a 3-way tie To Canada : UA with the help of AirCanada is the leader by a mile To Africa : UA has none of their own but 3 alliance partners hubbing in Africa (CAI, ADD, JNB) to provide connectivity. DL has one (NBO). To Europe : Approx tie with UA/Star. AA/BA… Read more »
Hi Mogando, Thanks for reading.
In terms of international destinations offered, Delta is the leader in the US. That is what I meant when I said most comprehensive. When you consider alliances and partners, then there is a different story, and your comment highlights that super clearly.
Best,
The Millennial Traveler
[…] Delta Launches New York to Lagos Route: Â Starting March 24, 2018, you can flight out of New York to Lagos, Nigeria. Â This route will be offered 3 times a week on an A330-200. Â As of now, Delta is the only American airline that flies to Lagos. Â More options to Africa is a good thing in the points/miles world! […]