Delta Air Lines begins Melbourne-LA flights in December

A giant American airline will become the third player on a key Australia to US route later this year.

Major US airline Delta will fly direct between Melbourne and LA, becoming the third carrier to compete on the route.

The flights will begin in December, and mean 86,000 more seats between Australia and the US per year with Delta Air Lines flights going both ways three times a week.

Announced on Saturday, the move puts Delta in competition on the route with Qantas and United Airlines.

Based on fares listed Sunday, Delta is not yet selling the direct route tickets. Flights from Melbourne to LA with a stop in Sydney are selling for about $200 less than Qantas and United’s direct Melbourne to LA flights for December.

Delta Air Lines will fly A350s on direct flights between Melbourne and LA. Picture: Supplied / Chris Rank

“This is a win for the whole state - for tourism operators, businesses, hotels and restaurants, and for families and travellers,” Victorian Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“These new Delta flights will bring thousands more tourists from North America to Victoria.”

Victoria has narrowed the gap - behind NSW - as the country’s most popular destination state since the pandemic.

“These new flights will also make it more affordable and convenient for travellers and families who want to experience the USA - which is a win for families who have America on their bucket list,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

As of this month, there are 29 flights each week from Sydney to LA, but only 12 from Melbourne.

Delta Air Lines operates a hub at California’s LAX airport, with further hubs at Seattle, Salt Lake City, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Detroit. The airline has eight-times as many aircraft as Qantas, flying 985 planes.

The Victorian government is spruiking the business benefits alongside the tourism cost-savings. The US is Australia’s fifth-largest export destination, and second-largest import provider.

“Having more direct flights from LA is not only a major boost for local businesses, it will also open up more opportunities for trade with our North American partners – which is already a significant market for Victoria,” Economic Growth Minister Danny Pearson said.

Originally published as Delta Air Lines begins Melbourne-LA flights in December