Quote:
Originally Posted by Paniolo Man
As I understand, Delta wants/needs the center runway lengthened to make the Seoul route happen. They are also likely waiting for more gate space since the airport is pinched to say the least. In 2019 the airport had 56 gates and ~20 E gates (hardstand and ramp). Today they have 46 gates and about 20 hardstands. This year's traffic is almost back to 2019 levels with 2023 expected to break records. SLC really needs more gates before Delta (or anyone else) can think about major growth.
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Oceania is next to 0 chance, especially considering Delta just started their LAX-PPT service alongside the existing Air France service on that route.
The only
extremely remote possibility is that Air France adds a CDG flight that continues on to PPT (as their LAX flight does), but I have no delusion that the demand for that exists.
A runway extension is not needed to service ICN, but initial service makes most sense being served by a Korean Air 787 for that route. Delta could likely use their A330-900neo, but would have to block some seats during certain times of the year based on temperature.
Finally, South America is undoubtedly the most likely expansion beyond ICN, as LATAM is now a joint venture partner of Delta, so it opens up many more LATAM destinations. There is also likely enough demand to expand into certain Central American destinations anyway.