Delta Air Lines is set to significantly increase its presence at Melbourne Airport, Australia, with plans to boost its services from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) from thrice weekly to daily by the end of the year. This expansion, which marks a notable enhancement in the airline’s transpacific offerings, will see the SkyTeam carrier gradually increase its flights to Melbourne, ultimately reaching daily service by December 22, 2023.
The announcement comes as Delta only launched this route to the Victorian capital three months ago. The airline will first increase its services to four weekly flights starting October 13, followed by five weekly flights from October 27, before transitioning to daily flights. This move is strategically timed to capitalize on the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season, providing a seamless non-stop connection for travelers between California and Melbourne. However, the airline plans to reduce capacity to five days a week from March 2027.
Steady Increase to Daily Services for Christmas
Delta’s decision to expand its services on this route reflects growing demand for travel between Los Angeles and Melbourne. The airline’s Airbus A350-900, known for its premium-heavy configuration, will continue to operate on this route. This aircraft features up to 40 Delta One Suites, offering a luxurious travel experience that distinguishes Delta from competitors like United Airlines and Qantas, which utilize the Boeing 787-9.
Flight arrival and departure times are expected to remain consistent despite the increased frequency. Delta’s strategic deployment of the A350-900, with its emphasis on premium travel, underscores the airline’s commitment to attracting high-end travelers. Simple Flying reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment on the increase in services, but no response was received by the time of publication.
Delta’s Growing Australian Footprint
Delta’s expansion into Melbourne marks its third non-stop route to Australia, following successful routes to Brisbane and Sydney. This move highlights Delta’s ongoing commitment to connecting its customers with key destinations across the globe. As the largest carrier at LAX, Delta’s new route to Melbourne further cements its position in the competitive transpacific market.
In addition to its Australian routes, Delta maintains a seasonal link to Auckland Airport, New Zealand. The airline previously served Papeete, but this service was withdrawn due to insufficient demand. The focus on premium travelers is evident in Delta’s decision to increase frequency to Melbourne, leveraging the A350-900’s premium cabin to attract business and luxury travelers.
Competition Among Airline Alliances
The Los Angeles to Melbourne route is a battleground for the three major airline alliances, with Delta (SkyTeam), United Airlines (Star Alliance), and Qantas (oneworld) all vying for dominance. United Airlines offers multiple weekly flights using its Boeing 787-9, complementing its year-round services from San Francisco to Melbourne. Meanwhile, Qantas, the only Australian carrier on this route, operates daily flights with its Boeing 787-9 and occasionally deploys the Airbus A380 during peak seasons.
Melbourne serves as a gateway to some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes, including the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island. The city is a vibrant hub for food and entertainment, making it an attractive destination for international travelers. Delta’s increased services offer more opportunities for tourists to explore these attractions and contribute to Melbourne’s status as one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.
As Delta continues to expand its international network, the airline’s strategic focus on premium services and key global destinations positions it well to capture a larger share of the transpacific travel market. The increased frequency of flights between Los Angeles and Melbourne is a testament to Delta’s confidence in the route’s potential and its commitment to providing superior service to its passengers.
