Delta plans to begin flying from New York to Rio de Janeiro
in December.
A Boeing 767-300 configured with 35 Delta One business class
seats, 32 Comfort Plus seats and 143 economy seats would service the daily
flight.
The route must receive regulatory approval from the
Department of Transportation.
Delta would compete on JFK-Rio with American’s daily and
LATAM’s thrice-weekly service. LATAM and American are currently seeking antitrust
immunity that would allow them to jointly schedule and market U.S-South America
routes.
Delta will leverage its codeshare partnership with Brazilian
carrier Gol to connect passengers from Rio to 23 destinations within Brazil.
Delta hopes to commence the route on Dec. 21.