Delta Air Lines Inc., which recently became the world's biggest carrier by merging with Northwest Airlines, will begin nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Sydney, starting in July.
The start of Sydney flights—which may prompt a fare war on the popular U.S.-Australia route next year—is part of a broader move by Atlanta-based Delta to expand international operations at LAX, airline officials said.
In addition to Sydney, Delta will begin nonstop service between LAX and Sao Paulo, Brazil, beginning May 21. The new Sao Paulo service would complement the three weekly nonstop flights currently flown by Korean Air, an airline alliance partner.
Delta said it also would increase nonstop service from LAX to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport from seven departures a day to eight to improve connection times for travelers from the Northeast flying to Sydney.
For travelers, the effect of Delta's entry was immediate. Even before Delta formally announced that it would begin the Sydney service Thursday, Qantas and V Australia began cutting fares.
The start of Sydney flights—which may prompt a fare war on the popular U.S.-Australia route next year—is part of a broader move by Atlanta-based Delta to expand international operations at LAX, airline officials said.
In addition to Sydney, Delta will begin nonstop service between LAX and Sao Paulo, Brazil, beginning May 21. The new Sao Paulo service would complement the three weekly nonstop flights currently flown by Korean Air, an airline alliance partner.
Delta said it also would increase nonstop service from LAX to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport from seven departures a day to eight to improve connection times for travelers from the Northeast flying to Sydney.
For travelers, the effect of Delta's entry was immediate. Even before Delta formally announced that it would begin the Sydney service Thursday, Qantas and V Australia began cutting fares.