SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines will further expand its Asia network next summer with the launch of daily nonstop service from Seattle (SEA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International airport (TPE) starting 6 June, subject to government approval.
This marks Delta’s inaugural nonstop flight to Taipei from the US and the first Delta aircraft operation to TPE since 2017 via Narita International airport in Japan.
Delta will deploy one of its latest-technology Airbus A330-900 neo aircraft on the 13-hour westbound, 12-hour eastbound service from Seattle to Taipei.
The A330-900 neo seats 29 passengers across a 1-2-1 configuration in Delta One business class, 28 in Premium Select premium economy, and 224 in regular economy class.
“This route not only opens new doors to Taipei’s captivating skyline, vibrant night markets, and rich cultural heritage, but it also marks a significant stride in enhancing Seattle’s global connectivity,” said Joan Wang, managing director, global sales, Seattle. “This strategic addition to Delta’s trans-Pacific portfolio is poised to make a profound impact on the Seattle market, fostering increased business and leisure travel opportunities for our discerning customers.”
Seattle continues to serve as a key gateway for Delta’s operations across the Pacific, which – with the addition of TPE – features four nonstop trans-Pacific destinations, inclusive of existing routes to Incheon (ICN), Tokyo (HND), and Shanghai (PVG).
Delta continues to restore and expand service across Asia and the Pacific outside of Seattle as well.
Over the course of 2023, the airline has announced a second daily flight to ICN from ATL; increased flights to China from four times per week to 10 times per week (seven weekly flights to PVG from SEA and three weekly flights to PVG from DTW); resumed service to HND from Honolulu (HNL) and Minneapolis (MSP); launched first-ever Auckland (AKL) from LAX service, the only US carrier operating LAX-AKL year-round; and it also increased flights to Sydney (SYD) from 10 weekly to 14 weekly this winter from LAX.
“As APAC demand returns, we are excited to launch our seventh non-stop international market in the Pacific, solidifying our commitment to robust and consistent growth in the region,” said Jeff Moomaw, Vice President – APAC. “This strategic addition underscores Delta’s dedication to expanding our network and offering customers seamless connectivity.”
Along with Delta’s direct investment in the Pacific region, passengers have more flight options through its joint venture with Korean Air. Customers can connect to 80 destinations in Asia through Korean Air’s hub at ICN.
Delta will compete directly against EVA Air on Seattle-Taipei. Going forward, Starlux Airlines has also flagged nonstop flights to Seattle where it has a wide-ranging partnership with Alaska Airlines.