ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) is reportedly considering a significant expansion of its international network from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Recent reports suggest the carrier may launch a new route to Incheon Airport (ICN), Seoul, South Korea, in summer 2025.
Delta SLC to Seoul Flights
SLC described as Delta’s fastest-growing core hub, has faced challenges with international flights due to its high elevation. The proposed Seoul service would mark the airport’s first transpacific route in over a decade.
Aviation watchdog JonNYC obtained a document detailing Delta’s plans for SLC. The airline projects a 7% increase in seat count at the hub by 2025 compared to current figures.
Delta aims to complement its existing European routes from SLC to Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), and London (LHR) with this new Asian connection. The carrier plans to boost its westbound international seat capacity by 60% year-over-year, signaling a strong push into Asian markets.
A350 or A330neo to Serve
Delta Air Lines is considering launching a new transpacific route from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul, potentially using the Airbus A350-900.
The choice of aircraft for this route is crucial due to Salt Lake City’s high elevation of 4,265 feet, which affects aircraft performance. Industry experts speculate that the Airbus A350-900, with its superior range and performance capabilities, is the most likely candidate for the service.
Delta’s fleet considerations have sparked discussions among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Earlier this year, when Delta announced plans to base Airbus A330s at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), some SLC-based pilots expressed disappointment.
They believed SLC’s runway limitations might prevent widebody operations, particularly for westbound long-haul flights.
While Delta operates three variants of the A330 (A330-200, A330-300, and A330-900neo), the A330-900neo emerges as a potential alternative for the SLC-Seoul route due to its improved fuel efficiency and performance. However, concerns persist about the A330’s ability to operate efficiently from SLC’s high-altitude airport.
Aviation forum discussions highlight the challenges of operating long-haul flights from SLC. Experts note that while the A330-900neo generally has sufficient range, Delta’s configuration with a lower maximum takeoff weight, combined with SLC’s altitude, could limit its viability for this specific route.
Domestic Flights from SLC
According to internal schedules, SLC is projected to see a 7% increase in 2025 seat capacity compared to 2024, outpacing growth at Delta’s other core hubs.
The carrier is also focused on enhancing domestic connectivity, with plans to achieve about 95% coverage of Western markets through the addition of five daily trips.
Delta’s domestic expansion from SLC includes new services to Monterey (MRY) and a fourth daily trip to Ontario (ONT), Reno (RNO), and Long Beach (LGB). The airline is also investing in the Pacific Northwest, adding a third trip to Eugene (EUG), Medford (MFR), and Redmond (RDM).
Eastward expansion from SLC will see new routes to Pittsburgh (PIT), Cleveland (CLE), Little Rock (LIT), and Northwest Arkansas (XNA), along with additional frequencies to Boston (BOS), Cincinnati (CVG), and New Orleans (MSY).
Furthermore, Delta plans to enhance Rocky Mountain connectivity with increased service to Colorado Springs (COS) and Sun Valley (SUN).
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