Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2007

In Response To Schumer, Driscoll And MDA's Demands For Improving Air Service Between Central NY And Atlanta, Delta Offers First Step By Improving Fares For Travelers And Increasing Ridership Capacity

Recent Service Cuts have Reduced Daily Route Capacity from 630 to Less than 300 Passengers, Sent Ticket Prices Spiraling to More than $1400, and Left Central New Yorkers Jam-Packed on Small Aircraft

Under Pressure from Senator Schumer, Mayor Driscoll, and the MDA, Delta has Announced Plans to Reduce Prices on Tickets and to Increase the Number of Seats Available

Leaders and the MDA Pledge to Continue Fighting to Improve Affordability for Central NY Business Travelers and Increase Number of Seats Offered

In response to requests from the City of Syracuse, the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York and U.S. Senator Schumer’s office to address the problem of high airfares and reduced capacity between Syracuse and Atlanta, Delta Air Lines is introducing modest fare reductions between these two cities today. Beginning next month, the airline will also add one flight on this route.

In a meeting with the City and MDA last month in Atlanta, facilitated by Senator Schumer, Delta executives acknowledged that fares between these two cities were too high. In recognition of the problem, these new coach-class fares take effect today.

Mayor Matthew Driscoll said, “Although this is a reduction in current pricing, there needs to be more recognition from Delta that their current prices do not create a level playing field for the business and leisure flyer in the Syracuse market compared to the rest of New York State”

“Delta has made a solid first step that will improve air service in the Syracuse area – especially for leisure travelers,” said Senator Schumer. “But it’s too early to take the gloves off and we need to build on this progress by also improving the situation for business travelers by further lowering Syracuse to Atlanta fares,” he added.

“Delta’s fares between Syracuse and Atlanta are still too high,” said Irwin L. Davis, president and CEO of the MDA. “Delta has taken a small step forward when what’s needed is a giant leap. Working together with Mayor Driscoll and Senator Schumer, we will continue to strongly make the case that it is in Delta’s best interest – if they want to grow in this market – to take further steps to reduce fares and add capacity on this important business route.”

Fare Category	New Fare Level		Advance Purchase	Minimum Stay Requirement	Fare Difference ($)	Fare Difference (%)
	O/W	R/T			R/T
U		$399	21	3	-$110	21%
L		$499	14*	3	-$110	18%
K		$599	14	3	-$110	15%
Q		$749	7	3	-$90	11%
H		$899	7*	0	-$59	6%
H	$549	$1,098	0*	0	New	26% from old “Y”
Y	$699	$1,398	0	0	-$80	5%

* - restricted availability based on number of available seats

Atlanta consistently ranks among the top five most-traveled destinations to/from Syracuse, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. A recent MDA business travel survey found that 64% of respondents rated Atlanta as an “important” or “highly important” destination for their business.

Over the past two years, the quality and frequency of Delta service between Syracuse and Atlanta has declined, leaving passengers with fewer options and rising ticket prices. In 2005, Delta operated five daily flights on this route; four of the flights were served by MD-80 aircraft which seat 142 people, the fifth flight was served by a 70-seat flight regional jet, giving the route a total capacity of 638 people per day. Roundtrip tickets with little or no advance purchase requirement, which are needed by business travelers, were generally priced between $500-$600.

By 2006, Delta was operating five flights a day, but instead using smaller, less comfortable regional jets, which reduced the overall daily service between the two cities to 400 people. This summer, one flight was eliminated from the schedule. Today, Delta uses two 70-seat regional jets and two 50-seat regional jets to fly the route. In October, Delta will restore a fifth flight on this route, using another 50-seat regional jet.

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