Delta adds second daily flight to Boston
By RICHARD DUPLAIN
duplain.richard@dailygleaner.com
Published Friday June 1st, 2007
Appeared on page D1
The addition of a second daily Delta Air lines flight to and from Boston is good news and the possibility of a third flight is even better news, says a local travel-company owner.
Marie Embleton, owner and manager of Embleton Travel, said the addition of a second Delta flight at the Fredericton International Airport compounded with the growing value of the Canadian dollar could mean large numbers of travellers to the U.S. from Canada.
On Thursday, Delta carrier Big Sky of Montana announced a second Delta flight will be added July 15.
Big Sky will assume carrier responsibilities for the Delta flights in Fredericton from Comair of Ohio on June 7.
"It's a good idea to have two flights and that could open up more opportunities for additional travel to the U.S., especially for through-fares (connecting flights)," Embleton said.
She doesn't expect fare prices to change, but there could be more sales and promotions.
She said a third flight could be supported during peak times.
Embleton said travellers could use the third flight during March break, Easter and other holidays.
The third flight could eventually become part of the full-time service, she said.
Big Sky's marketing director Scott Summerville said going to two smaller aircraft - the 19-seat Beechcraft 1900D turboprop - will enhance travellers' opportunities by allowing two daily flights.
He said Delta Air Lines enjoys a good working relationship with airport president and CEO David Innes.
"If we continue to do well here, there's no reason we couldn't add a (third) flight," he said.
Summerville said Delta is not looking at any other destinations in Atlantic Canada.
Airport board chairman Pat Bird said the second flight will benefit travellers.
"Convenience is the benefit," he said. "A third flight would even be better for Fredericton."