New Delta flights questioned

The announcement that Delta Air Lines is adding a daily return flight from Orlando to Bloomington in Central Illinois has met a mixed reception, with Bloomington airport officials declaring themselves unhappy with the decision.

Low-cost airline AirTran Airways already offers an identical route and is currently the largest carrier in and out of Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI).

While the proposed Delta flights will offer passengers increased competition and choice on the route, and may even lead to lower fares, airport officials have questioned the airline's motives.

Carl Olson, the airport's executive director, explained that he believes Delta has introduced the route in an attempt to weaken AirTran's position and ultimately offer less choice to travelers.

"We are perplexed by their decision to duplicate service we already have," he explained. "Again, this is Delta trying to weaken AirTran and trying to weaken our market. Delta's not interested in growing our market and investing in our community."

A Delta Air Lines spokesman claimed that the move was motivated purely by passenger demand for the route.

The new Delta flights will operate between May 25 and September 4. Flights will leave Bloomington daily at 12.03pm, arriving in Orlando at 3.28pm. The return flight will leave Orlando at 10am and touchdown in Bloomington at 11.38am.

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