Delta are launching new direct flights between New York (JFK) and Mumbai (BOM) starting December 22nd this year. They will be operating a Boeing 777-200ER on the route, complete with Delta One Suites and their refreshed Premium Select, Comfort+ and Economy cabins.
Starting on December 22nd, the route will connect New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) directly with India. When it launches, the new Delta Mumbai flight will be the only nonstop service from the US.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, commented in their press release:
"Delta's nonstop service between New York and Mumbai is the latest example of our international growth as we strive to connect the world better than any other airline. This route would not be possible without the administration's ongoing efforts to enforce fair competition in international travel, ensuring that consumers enjoy a wide range of choices as they travel the globe.”
What can we expect from Delta’s flight?
For the new JFK to Mumbai direct route, Delta plan to use a newly renovated Boeing 777-200LR. This aircraft comes equipped with the stunning Delta One suite, as well as Premium Select, Comfort+ and regular economy seating.
On board, customers can expect seatback entertainment screens with thousands of hours of content in all cabins. The aircraft has the Gogo Ku Wi-Fi on board too, with free mobile messaging through iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
In the Delta One cabin, there are 28 Suites featuring full height doors, ambient lighting and spacious compartments for storage. The Premium Select cabin has 58 seats, offering additional space and more creature comforts such as adjustable head and footrests. Main cabin seats are 18.5” wide, the widest of all Delta’s international fleet, and arranged in a 3-3-3 layout.
In terms of scheduling, the flight will operate from JFK at 21:15, arriving in BOM at 22:50 the next day. Coming back, it leaves Mumbai at 00:50 and arrives in New York at 06:35. Delta haven’t revealed the frequently of flights yet, but it is hoped that they will be daily.
Second time lucky?
Delta previously flew to Mumbai from the US in 2006, however they stopped in 2009 due to the route being largely unprofitable. Delta blame ‘illegally subsidized Middle East carriers’ for spoiling their fun on the route.
VP of Delta, Peter Carter, said:
"Subsidies pose a serious threat to American workers. Every long-haul route lost or foregone to subsidized Middle East carrier competition costs more than 1,500 American jobs, so we are pleased to bring this route back into service thanks to landmark agreements the Trump administration reached with Qatar and the U.A.E."
Our friend Lucky over at One Mile At A Time is skeptical about the reality of this route, and has mooted whether it’s all just another way for Delta to lash out at the ‘Middle East three’. He points out that there is still an issue with Pakistani airspace which could make this route difficult, not to mention the lack of specifics on when the flights will operate and when bookings will open.
Either way, we’ll look forward to seeing what becomes of this promise, as a direct connection between JFK and Mumbai would be awesome.
As well as the Mumbai route, Delta are expanding into other places too. They recently announced a new service to London Gatwick starting in 2020, and second daily flights from JFK to Tel Aviv and Paris starting in the summer. There will also be a third daily flight to Amsterdam beginning October 2019.