Delta & United appeals to USDOT for flexibility on the South African route

United Airlines demanded the Department of Transportation (dot)

To provide specific flexibility with regard to flights to South Africa. The carrier points out that Delta Air Lines has sought something previously submitted.

Similar flexibility

Dot filing, United Airlines

As long as previous airlines “enjoy similar flexibility,” he said on February 14 that it would not oppose Delta's demand for more flexibility on its flight network to South Africa.

So United Airlines requested dots to give them the flexibility to use one frequency. Newar Liberty International Airport

(EWR) Provides additional services from Newark to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) year-round from Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport (JNB).

The company claimed that passenger demand had made the demand. In effect, this means that we will operate six flights per week from Newark to Johannesburg and four flights per week from Newark to Cape Town during the peak demand season for flights to Cape Town.

United Airlines emphasized that its request does not include changes to flights between them. Washington Dulles International Airport

(IAD) and Cape Town. Additionally, it highlighted the fact that it does not exceed the use of the frequency seven times a week in the Newark-Johannesburg or Newark-Johannesburg-Cape Town itinerary.

“United's demand for annual flexibility for a week of frequency is comparable to Delta's demand for flexibility for two-frequency frequency per week during peak season.”

Thorsten Lettnin, sales director for United Airlines Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Israel, said in May 2024 that Simple Flying said there was a stable demand throughout the year. Opportunity.

8th free flight

Interestingly, United Airlines also requested dots to allow South Africa to operate all seven frequencies a week on routes derived from Newark. Johannesburg

then return to Cape Town and New Jersey in case demand and operating conditions determine such a route.

The airline, which called for flexibility to do so all year round, previously said that DOT had given Delta Airlines the flexibility to operate its own Freedom flights from. Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

(ATL) to Cape Town via Johannesburg.

Nevertheless, if DOT approves United Airlines' request to coordinate flights in South Africa, it will skip an additional frequency from Newark to Cape Town on Tuesday and run a return itinerary to the US on Wednesday.

“It is in the public interest to unite the requested flexibility. United's proposal (changes in frequency) will enhance service to Cape Town during peak season and provide additional opportunities for connection in Cape Town. Create and allow United to better manage the days when Johannesburg operating conditions (hot, dry air at high altitudes) are retained. Seats from Johannesburg to Newark.

It was in March 2023 that US airlines operated their eighth free flight in South Africa, according to data from the DIIOMI Airline Planning Tools from aerial analytics firm Cirium. Itinerary from Atlanta to Cape Town via Johannesburg.

In February, United Airlines scheduled three weekly and daily flights from Newark to Cape Town and Johannesburg, respectively. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has the same schedule from Atlanta to two South African cities.

Seasonal peak

When Delta demanded additional flexibility on flights to South Africa on February 14, it argued that a favorable decision from DOT would be in the public interest.

“Delta's proposed services will allow Delta to enhance its service to Cape Town during the month of highest demand, bringing direct benefits to its customers.”

Like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines exceeds the number of awarded frequencies between the US and South Africa if Dot allows airlines to shift two frequencies from Atlanta-Johannesburg to Atlanta Cape Town Services. I pointed out that it wasn't.