Delta takes a jab at United as the airline expands its Pacific presence with new Asia routes

Delta Air Lines is trying to close a wide gap with United Airlines in trans-Pacific travel, a market both carriers see as central to future growth. Delta President Peter Carter told CNBC at the International Air Transport Association’s annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro that the airline wants to become the leading U.S. carrier across the Pacific and, eventually, the leading global carrier.

Delta’s push comes as U.S. domestic air travel has become mature, leaving less room for fast expansion at home. Per CNBC, Carter said international flying is where the airline sees its future, and he pointed to Delta’s partnership with Korean Air as part of that strategy.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

Delta builds in Asia

Delta has been expanding its Asia network with new routes and partnerships. On June 6, the airline launched nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong, and last June it began direct service between Salt Lake City and Seoul, according to USA Today.

Delta also has ties with carriers including Korean Air and China Eastern as it tries to strengthen its Pacific presence, USA Today confirmed. Per the report, the airline said last year it carried more than 200 million passengers, more than United’s 175 million, but it still trails United in trans-Pacific revenue and network size.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo return for last World Cup, plus other top stars to watch

• Reflection returns to the National Mall as President Trump defends work on Lincoln Memorial pool 

• Get jazzy with it: Chicago Jazz Festival lineup revealed featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater

• Chicago’s historic Jewelers Building gets $25M renovation, including rooftop bar 

United defends its lead

United remains the bigger airline across the Pacific, with about $6.89 billion in trans-Pacific revenue last year, compared with Delta’s $2.79 billion, according to company filings cited in CNBC’s report. United is also adding routes, including planned year-round service between Chicago and Tokyo and seasonal service between San Francisco and Sapporo, Japan.

According to USA Today, United CEO Scott Kirby told Bloomberg that international growth has been “gang busters” for the airline. He also said he takes Delta’s challenge as a compliment, while Carter said Delta cannot rest on its success and ended with a pointed message: “Bring ’em on,” per CNBC.

Both airlines now see Asia as a key battleground, with premium long-haul flights offering higher revenue and more room for growth than many domestic routes. Delta and United continue to compete for travelers flying between the United States and destinations across Asia and the wider Pacific region.