SYDNEY (AFP)--U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines (DAL) began nonstop
Sydney to Los Angeles flights Friday, becoming only the fourth
carrier to ply the lucrative route.
Delta Flight 16 left Sydney International Airport at 9:25 a.m.
(2325 GMT), kicking off a daily service in either direction.
"Australia is a very important market for Delta as we expand our
global network," said the firm's Australian general manager, Steven
Crowdey.
The launch cuts in on a flight path previously only served by
Australian flag-carrier Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN.AU), Virgin's V
Australia and the United States' United Airlines, a unit of UAL
Corp. (UAUA).
Qantas reportedly takes up to 20% of its earnings from the
route, to which Singapore Airlines Ltd. (SINGY) has sought access
for years.
Separately, Singapore's Tiger Airways on Friday began budget
flights on the busy Sydney to Melbourne route.