In tune with its plans to expand operations, Atlanta, GA-based Delta Air Lines (DAL Quick QuoteDAL - Free Report) launched non-stop flights between New York and Edinburgh. The first flight (DL 409) of the year-round service from the John F Kennedy airport landed at Edinburgh on May 27.

In a bid to improve the flying experience for passengers, Delta is initially operating additional flights on The Boeing Company’s (BA Quick QuoteBA - Free Report) 163-seat 757-200ER jets, which are equipped with modern facilities as well as Wi-Fi. However, with a busy summer season ahead, Boeing’s wide-bodied 210-seat 767-300ER will also operate on the route from Jun 8 to early September. This summer is going to be exceptionally busy as highlighted by the Airlines for America (“A4A”). The trade association has predicted that the June-August period will be the busiest of all times for American carriers with approximately 231.1 million passengers flying by various U.S. carriers.

Delta’s move to add Scotland to its network is a prudent one as the U.S. is the top inbound tourism market to the country. Meanwhile, Delta’s move to launch flights between New York and Edinburgh will intensify competition in this transatlantic route as American Airlines Group (AAL Quick QuoteAAL - Free Report) and United Continental Holdings (UAL Quick QuoteUAL - Free Report) already connect the cities. This is likely to result in downward revision of fares. We expect investors to keenly wait for updates on Delta’s latest expansion initiative.

Zacks Rank & A Key Pick

Delta Air Lines currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the airline space may consider SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW Quick QuoteSKYW - Free Report) which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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