US carrier, Delta Airlines has stressed the importance of its African operations in its growth strategy. The airline is as a result gradually increasing its presence with the expansion in the number of its destinations on the continent while at the same time consolidating its market share. In just some five years the airline has increased from just one to seven, its destinations in Africa and is claiming to have leadership amongst its American rivals. Interacting with selected journalists on a recent tour of its headquarters, the Managing Director, Network Planning Jeff Lobl said Delta will commence operations from Luanda in January next month, bringing to eight the number of destinations it serves in Africa. He said the airline decided that “Africa was a growing important market and we wanted to be the first US carrier to establish a presence there…a deep and sustainable presence.” He adds that Delta is very proud that the relationship has been mutually beneficial. “Not only do we look at Africa as a place where we can grow and expand our network in an area of the world that is developing at a fast rate, but we actually feel like we can contribute that economic development and so we proud of the role of flights have played in helping the economy of Ghana and other African nations. Delta says it will re-introduce the A330, a much larger aircraft onto the Accra-Atlanta route. It is also revamping its fleet with the more comfortable flatbed seating on its planes. Source: Joy Business/Ghana