Delta Air Lines is making notable progress in broadening its operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), seeing it as a key chance to assert dominance in a traditionally competitive arena. With the introduction of a new service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) commencing in April 2027, Delta seeks to link crucial business regions and boost its footprint on the West Coast.
Beginning April 12, 2027, Delta will provide two daily flights between LAX and EWR utilizing Airbus A321neo planes. The flight schedule is as follows:
- DL732: Los Angeles to Newark, leaving at 7:40 AM and arriving at 4:15 PM
- DL980: Los Angeles to Newark, departing at 9:25 PM and arriving at 6:00 AM (+1 day)
- DL833: Newark to Los Angeles, departing at 7:30 AM and arriving at 11:05 AM
- DL2447: Newark to Los Angeles, departing at 5:25 PM and arriving at 9:00 PM
Each flight will accommodate 194 passengers, comprising 20 first-class seats and 174 economy class seats. Scott Santoro, Delta’s VP of Los Angeles and West Coast sales, stresses the airline’s dedication to offering enhanced options, comfort, and dependable connectivity between the East and West Coasts.
Nevertheless, Delta contends with tough competition on this route, mainly from United Airlines, which runs 10 daily flights with wide-body aircraft that include Polaris business class seats. As JetBlue scales back its operations on this route, Alaska Airlines stands as the sole other competitor with up to three daily flights.
This newly introduced route adds to Delta’s established service from LAX to New York Kennedy (JFK), where the airline offers up to 11 daily flights. Despite facing challenges in frequency and onboard offerings, Delta is resolute in strengthening its LAX hub and securing a portion of the profitable LAX-EWR market, which ranks as the third-highest revenue domestic market nationwide.
Delta’s approach appears aimed at drawing in loyal patrons who favor flying to EWR as opposed to JFK, even if it entails forgoing luxury features like flat-bed seats. This strategy is in line with Delta’s larger expansion plans, which involve growing operations in Austin and Seattle, as well as inaugurating a route to Hong Kong.
While Delta’s growth at LAX signifies an ambitious step, the financial sustainability of this route remains unclear. The airline’s capability to gain market share from United and validate the investment in this competitive environment will be closely monitored.
What are your opinions on Delta’s new LAX to Newark route?