Delta Airlines at Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: Shutterstock Today, April 1, 2025, Delta Air Lines will take off for Israel for the first time after a prolonged suspension that began in August 2024-following only two months of resumed operations-before halting again due to the "Iron Swords" war. Now, with the launch of the summer flight schedule, the airline is resuming service on the New York–Tel Aviv route.
To mark the occasion, Matteo Curcio, Delta Air Lines' Senior Vice President, shares in an exclusive interview with PassportNews the airline’s vision for future expansion in Israel, the innovations awaiting summer travelers, and the company’s renewed confidence in the Israeli market.
Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI), including Israel, oversees the airline’s commercial and strategic operations in the region. Based in Paris, he is also responsible for Delta’s joint venture partnerships with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic.
Resumption of Operations: A New Chapter for Delta in Israel
Delta resumes today (Tuesday) its daily flight between New York and Tel Aviv. Given the security situation that led to the suspension of your operations in Israel, you announced that "additional measures will be implemented on flights to and from Tel Aviv." Can you elaborate on what these measures include?
"At Delta, safety always comes first. Our decision to suspend and subsequently resume service followed a comprehensive security review conducted in close coordination with government and private sector partners".
Flight Frequency: Will Delta Return to Full Capacity?
Before October 7, 2023, Delta operated 7 weekly flights to New York, 7 to Atlanta, and 3 to Boston. Do you anticipate a return to this level of service?
"Before October 7, 2023, Delta operated a daily flight between New York (JFK) and Tel Aviv, which we are now resuming. Additionally, we operated a daily flight between Atlanta and Tel Aviv, as well as three weekly flights between Boston and Tel Aviv. We continuously monitor customer demand patterns, operational considerations, and safety assessments, which will determine when we restore these routes.
"Moreover, Delta has strengthened its presence in Israel through a codeshare agreement with EL AL. This partnership allows Delta customers to book direct flights with EL AL to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities, including New York-JFK, Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale".
Matteo Curcio, Senior Vice President of Delta Airlines for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI). Photo: Delta AirlinesA New Aircraft: The A330-900neo Joins the Tel Aviv Route
According to your announcement, the A330-900neo will be used on the Tel Aviv route. What advantages does this advanced aircraft offer passengers flying to and from Tel Aviv?
"Starting April 1, 2025, Delta will resume daily service between JFK and Tel Aviv aboard the Airbus A330-900neo, the newest aircraft type in our fleet. It offers passengers a choice of four distinct cabin experiences:
Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, Main Cabin.
Delta One Suites feature fully lie-flat seats, luxurious bedding, and private doors, complemented by chef-curated meals and premium beverages. Delta Premium Select offers enhanced comfort with wider seats and extra legroom, while Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin provide spacious seating, memory foam cushions, and personalized in-flight entertainment with over 1,000 hours of content.
All cabins will feature advanced amenities, including ambient lighting for a more relaxing flight. Additionally, Delta is taking its industry-leading Wi-Fi to the next level. Starting in early April, all customers flying on Delta’s transatlantic network to Israel, Europe, and West Africa will have access to high-speed, free Wi-Fi.
This marks a significant step toward Delta’s goal of providing free Wi-Fi across its global fleet, delivering unprecedented connectivity unmatched in the industry".
Photo: Delta AirlinesCompeting with EL AL: A New Challenger on the Tel Aviv-New York Route?
EL AL recently held exclusivity on the Tel Aviv-New York route. Despite your codeshare agreement with EL AL, do you plan to compete directly with them on this route?
"Due to regional conflicts, most airlines besides EL AL decided to suspend operations, each adopting a different approach to returning. This left EL AL as the sole carrier operating at various times.
Delta Air Lines does not coordinate actions with competitors. As firm believers in a free-market economy, we recognize that competition drives innovation, improves service quality, and ultimately benefits consumers".
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
With United Airlines also resuming flights to Tel Aviv, the competitive landscape is evolving. How does Delta view this development, and what strategies will you implement to differentiate your services in this market?
"We look forward to serving customers traveling between the U.S. and Israel. As part of our commitment to an outstanding travel experience, we will deploy the next-generation Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, setting us apart from competitors.
Key features include: fast and free Wi-Fi connected throughout the flight with our fast and free Wi-Fi service, ensuring that our customers can work, stream, and stay in touch with loved ones from takeoff to landing.
A redesigned cabin interior featuring modern design elements, expanded space, and improved comfort, making our customers' flying experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
Enhanced meals to provide a delightful culinary experience at 35,000 feet. Our menu includes a variety of options to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
A new Delta One lounge that offers a luxurious space with ample seating, soundproof booths, and exceptional dining options".
Delta One. Photo: Delta Airlines100 Years of Delta: What’s Next for One of the World's Largest Airlines?
Delta recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, boasting impressive figures: over 100,000 employees and nearly 1,000 aircraft. As the world's second-largest airline, what are Delta’s growth ambitions?
"As Delta enters its second century, we are focusing on key areas of growth. One major initiative is enhancing our SkyMiles loyalty program. By partnering with companies like American Express, Starbucks, and Uber, Delta aims to provide unique travel and lifestyle benefits, including Uber rewards and expanded perks for SkyMiles members.
Additionally, Delta is committed to creating a more personalized customer experience. Our introduction of Delta Concierge, an AI-powered tool within the Fly Delta app, will assist travelers, making their journeys smoother and more enjoyable. We are also expanding the Delta Sync platform to offer personalized entertainment, including ad-free YouTube access for SkyMiles members.
Delta continues to invest in innovative travel solutions, such as next-generation aircraft interiors and premium travel experiences. We are expanding our Delta One Lounges in major cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle, offering fine dining, wellness treatments, and exclusive services.
Finally, Delta is reinforcing its global network to ensure accessibility and seamless travel. These initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation, customer service, and industry leadership as we move into the future".
Delta's Business Class. Photo: Delta AirlinesThe Transatlantic Alliance: How Does It Benefit Travelers?
A Few Years Ago, You Established the Transatlantic Alliance with Air France,KLM and Virgin Atlantic. How Does This Alliance Work, and What Benefits Does It Offer Passengers?
"Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have created a transatlantic alliance to enhance travel options and benefits for passengers.
This alliance operates through a joint venture, allowing the airlines to coordinate schedules, share revenues, and offer seamless travel experiences across their integrated networks.
The alliance works by coordinating flight schedules to provide more convenient connections and reduce layover times. In addition, the airlines share revenues from transatlantic flights, helping to lower operating costs and improve service quality. Passengers can also enjoy code-share agreements, allowing them to book flights operated by any of the four airlines in one reservation, making travel planning easier.
For passengers, this alliance means access to a wider range of destinations across North America, Europe, and Britain. They can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles with all four airlines and expedite their way to elite status. Enhanced services such as priority boarding, access to over 100 airport lounges, and first-class service onboard are also available. Furthermore, the alliance ensures smooth connections and consistent travel experiences, no matter which airline you fly with. In summary, this collaboration aims to provide passengers with a more flexible, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience."
Current Initiatives
What Are Delta's Plans Regarding Sustainability Aside from Those Already Announced?
"Delta is working towards net-zero emissions by 2050 by focusing on reducing carbon and implementing sustainability measures under its control. Sustainability goals and carbon release pathways focus on: what we fly, how we fly, and the fuel we use. Since about 90% of our carbon emissions come from fuel, we are innovating to find ways to reduce fuel consumption while supporting incentives to expand the sustainable fuel (SAF) market. Delta's carbon council across divisions identifies fuel savings through initiatives like weight reduction, improved flight routing, and enhanced landing procedures. In 2024, Delta saved a cumulative 44 million liters of fuel through operational improvements, initiated by Delta's carbon council. Delta is also partnering with innovative companies to revolutionize the future of flight, like its recently announced relationship with Airbus, as well as our new partnership with JetZero through Delta's Sustainable Skies lab".
The Future of Delta in General and in Israel
How Does Delta See Its Growth and Role in Israel and the Aviation Sector Worldwide in the Coming Years?
"Delta Air Lines anticipates significant growth. Israel remains a key market for Delta, as highlighted by the renewal of daily direct service between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv starting April 1, 2025.
This move not only reaffirms Delta's commitment to the Israeli market but also enhances connectivity and travel options for customers between North America and Israel.
Globally, Delta is focusing on several strategic areas to drive growth as it approaches its second century, as I already mentioned in response to Delta's growth aspirations".
Photo: Shutterstock