Delta flies both American and Australian flags

Delta Air Line’s inaugural service to Sydney from Los Angeles landed bright and early Friday morning, though not quite early enough as its auspicious arrival came 42 minutes late.

Hopefully not a sign of things to come, flight DL17 departed LAX 48 minutes late, and wasn’t quite able to make up the time.  Despite this, it was still warmly welcomed upon arrival at Sydney Airport.

“Delta’s entrance into the Australian market is a real win for Sydney. It will boost tourism to Sydney and provides travellers with more choice when travelling between North America and Australia,” notes Russell Balding, Sydney Airport CEO.

While Steven Crowdey, Delta GM Australia adds, “Australia is a very important market for Delta as we expand our global network.”

Delta flew in its flagship Boeing 777-200LR, which at the airline’s 80th birthday was dedicated to Delta’s former CEO, Dave Garrett, and even features his signature under the cockpit window.

To co-incide with the launch, Delta is also offering ex-Sydney travellers a special $899 fare to Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York until Monday 6th July or sold out.

Friday’s morning flight DL16 headed back to Los Angeles fared a little better, actually pushing back from its gate a minute early at 9:24 instead of 9:25, and is expected to land at 6:10 in the morning local time.

Flown in two classes, Delta’s B777s offer 45 setas in Delta’s BusinessElite cabin and 233 seats in the economy class cabin.