Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines following the approval of a shareholders' meeting of ASA Holding, the parent company of the regional airline.
Delta and ASA have announced schedule changes, beginning on 1 June, that will include ASA jet service to three new markets - Daytona Beach and Melbourne, Florida, and Montgomery, Alabama. ASA's service replaces Delta flights. New ASA non-stop jet services are due to begin on 1 August between Islip, Long Island, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Delta announced plans in February to acquire ASA, a regional feeder. The $700 million purchase of ASA Holding boosts Delta's share of traffic in the south-eastern USA, and consolidates its already dominant position at its main Atlanta hub.
The airline had held a 28% stake in Atlanta-based ASA, a Delta Connection carrier.
ASA maintains its own identity, retaining a workforce of 2,600 people and flying 21 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets. It has firm orders for 36 more, and options on another 53.
Source: Flight International
