Delta Expands Private Jet Fleet With New Acquisition

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jan 22nd 2010 at 10:01AM

After a year of private jet bad news signs of life are starting to emerge and now Delta Air Lines' private jet subsidiary, Delta AirElite will be massively expanding its fleet of small craft with the acquisition of Segrave Aviation. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Delta's all-cash purchase of Segrave will add 21 aircraft to AirElite's fleet of 24 planes. The expansion will also improve Web-based booking and the travel experience for fleet membership card and charter customers. Delta didn't reveal the exact terms of the deal. Segrave operates a fleet of managed aircraft and specializes in wholesale charter aviation services, private aircraft management, aircraft maintenance and fixed base operations.

Because Delta offers both commercial and private jet service it offers flexibility for travelers. Delta AirElite passengers can also earn SkyMiles (Delta's reward program) and immediate Medallion qualification up to Diamond status. The fleet includes aircraft such as Hawker Beechcraft, Lear 60 and Challenger 604 jets. With recent security concerns, longer lines, more ancillary charges and airport delays, the private jet option is becoming more appealing once again. Last month my colleague Tom Johansmeyer stated that private jet travel is back and gave four solid reasons why.

Tags: delta air elite, delta airelite, Delta Airlines, DeltaAirElite, DeltaAirlines, jet charter, JetCharter, private jets, PrivateJets, segrave