Delta Retools Its Regional Network -- and More Changes Are Coming

For years, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and its fellow network carriers have signed contracts with numerous regional airlines to operate smaller jets on lower-traffic routes, mainly connecting their hubs to small and midsize cities. For example, United Airlines currently has eight airline partners in its United Express network. That level of complexity has been pretty common in recent years.

However, Delta plans to change things up over the next 12 months. By this time next year, it will have just three regional airline partners operating Delta Connection flights, down from five today. This is a prelude to further shrinking its regional fleet -- already the smallest among the three big legacy carriers -- in favor of increased mainline service.

Delta plans to simplify its regional operations over the next year. Image source: Delta Air Lines.

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Source Fool.com