SkyTeam partner, 
Delta Air Lines, is set to launch its direct service from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, going head to head with Cathay Pacific and 
United Airlines. The service, which will be served daily aboard the ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, is already feeling the heat with comments as reported by aviation insider, JonNYC, stating the United CEO is predicting that Delta will lose money on the route.
Commencing on June 6, the direct daily link to Hong Kong, underpins Delta’s continued investment at 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including direct flights to Melbourne, Australia (MEL) from this December, and will be complemented by three daily services to Chicago O’Hare from June 7.
Doubling Down At LAX
According to Delta, the route to Hong Kong sees continued demand for growth, with the link not only serving increased passenger demand, but also strengthening the carrier’s trans-Pacific cargo network. The A350, which can carry 20 tonnes of cargo per flight, is expected to support the transportation of high value shipments such as e-commerce and perishable items. Chicago, which will take off from June, will see Delta go head-to-head with American, Frontier, Spirit, and United to 
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and will also face indirect competition from Southwest ( Midway International Airport).
Delta’s return to the Los Angeles to Hong Kong market comes after an eight-year absence on the route, and will strengthen the current Delta / Korean Air joint venture for travel across the Pacific. Paul Baldoni, SVP of Network Planning at Delta, commented on the latest route announcement:
“Launching service to Hong Kong and Chicago from LAX strengthens our presence in two of the world’s most dynamic markets. As the largest global carrier at LAX, we’re continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers and deliver the premium travel experience that they’ve come to expect from Delta.”
No Love Lost From United
Both Delta and United Airlines operate extensive US and international networks, and United has continually been expanding its trans-Pacific operations to operate more non-stop flights across the Pacific than any other carrier. This has made it no surprise that United Airlines made its reactions known in a recent UA earnings call, stressing that the Atlanta-based carrier will trail behind both Cathay and United, which already dominate the Hong Kong to California market.
As analysed by OMAAT, United already has a strong presence in the trans-Pacific market, with daily services from LAX and SFO direct to Hong Kong. This year, United has already increased capacity on services to Asia by 6%, resulting in a 9% overall increase in unit revenue. This is compared to Delta’s 11% capacity increase, with a 1% reduction in unit revenue.
Delta passengers on the new LAX-HKG flights will be able to connect to more than 30 non-stop direct services to and from Los Angeles, and additional destinations through partner airlines.
Related
Delta To Rival United, Cathay Pacific With Los Angeles-Hong Kong Flights
The carrier is entering a competitive long-haul market from Los Angeles.
Curb To Gate With Delta One
An elevated passenger experience is awaiting elite passengers at LAX, with the Delta One lounge offering 200 seats in an exclusive environment. Eligible passengers traveling to Hong Kong can enjoy chef-curated meals, and a year-round sushi bar to hit your tastebuds, while also providing a wellness room and massage chairs, ensuring new levels of relaxation before your flight.
Dedicated concierge-style service is on offer from the curb to the gate, connecting guests directly to the Delta One Check In Counters, providing a high-touch, completely private experience. A landscaped terrace provides views out across the tarmac and includes seating for up to 26 passengers with pillows from Missoni.
The Delta One Lounge at LAX is located next door to the Delta Sky Club at Terminal 3, and its design is inspired by the natural and manmade beauties of Southern California. From leather and walnut access, or the onyx back bar, reflect LA’s history blending both Modernism and Art Deco.
