As expected following the recent Delta-Northwest merger, Delta Air Lines announced on November 12 a new, non-stop flight from Salt Lake to Tokyo, Japan, set to commence Summer 2009. This announcement adds to Salt Lake's ever-growing international access following the commencement of Delta's Salt Lake-Paris flight last June.
"Today's announcement, just weeks after the Delta-Northwest merger became official, is further proof of the faith and trust the nation's top business leaders have in Utah's strong economic climate and workforce," said Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. "This new direct flight ties our capital cities together, expanding and strengthening the mutual economic foundations."
Less than six months ago Delta began a direct flight to Paris from Utah's capitol city, which is currently averaging a monthly occupancy load of more than 80-percent. The success of the Paris flight is currently rivaling the direct flights Delta has from its home base of Atlanta to Paris as well as Cincinnati to Paris.
"It's obvious Salt Lake is growing in international appeal," said Scott Beck, President & CEO of the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This latest announcement by Delta is poised to benefit all sectors of Salt Lake's economy, including our tourism partners as well as our meeting and convention-oriented member businesses."
Along with the Tokyo-Salt Lake announcement, Delta also indicated it will be offering a third daily flight between Salt Lake City and Detroit, and new daily service between Salt Lake City and Minneapolis which will make pacific rim connections with those regions more convenient.