Delta integrates international offerings

Delta Air Lines Inc. is integrating its international in-flight service options with the choices aboard its Northwest Airlines subsidiary, the company said Tuesday.

Delta said it would standardize this month the services offered passengers aboard Delta and Northwest international flights.

"June marks another major milestone in our merger with Northwest as we introduce high-quality products on board Delta and Northwest aircraft operating internationally," Joanne Smith, senior vice president of in-flight service, said in a statement. "We continue to bring together the best of both airlines to create one best-in-class experience for customers traveling with us worldwide."

Atlanta-based Delta (NYSE: DAL) said services would be integrated aboard all long-haul international aircraft with BusinessElite cabins (formerly known as "World Business Class" aboard Northwest jets).

BusinessElite passengers on both carriers can choose from meals created by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and wines picked by master sommelier Andrea Robinson.

Delta also plans to roll out “amenity kits” by Greek skincare company Korres Natural Products.

Economy passengers will be offered complimentary beer and wine on Delta and Northwest international flights. Liquor and signature mixed drinks by Rande Gerber will be available for $7 each. Economy passengers will also be offered an upgraded hot breakfast on international flights longer than 3,800 miles.

The new international offerings are a continued step in the integration of the two carriers into the world’s largest airlines.

Among the changes customers have seen since Delta’s acquisition of Northwest last October:
-- Integrated service offerings on domestic flights
-- Rebranding of more than 175 stations worldwide
-- Painted more than 80 former Northwest planes in Delta livery
-- Linked Delta’s code to the vast majority of Northwest flights for improved connectivity
-- Linked a new joint venture agreement with Air France/KLM Group
-- Merged frequent flier programs