NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Further supporting the world's largest airline's commitment to New York, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced it will become the Official Airline of the New York Yankees beginning in 2009, which will include the private jet category for Delta AirElite Business Jets.
Also, as the exclusive sponsor of the Delta Sky360 Suite, the airline will offer Suite holders an opportunity to sample the world-class Delta brand and customer experience. The Suite encompasses the nine sections of the Main Level directly behind home plate, and its elevated position allows for some of the best views of the field in Yankee Stadium, which is set to open in spring 2009 with a capacity of 52,325.
"Delta and its more than 75,000 employees worldwide are thrilled to become the Official Airline of the New York Yankees, further demonstrating our commitment to New York, which also serves as a global hub for Delta," said Gail Grimmett, Delta's senior vice president - New York. "Our Delta Sky360 Suite at Yankee Stadium will offer Suite holders a sampling of the Delta experience. As the world's largest airline, Delta offers more flights from JFK and LaGuardia to more destinations worldwide than any other carrier, and we are committed to remaining the airline of choice for New Yorkers."
In addition to the Delta Sky360 Suite, Delta's signature presence at Yankee Stadium will include a permanent scoreboard advertisement in left field; home plate and baseline rotational signage; HD centerfield scoreboard and Terrace Level LED branding; and print advertisements in Yankees publications. The Delta Sky360 Suite will offer Suite holders the opportunity to experience elements of the Delta brand firsthand, such as access to a computer station to sign up for Delta's SkyMiles Frequent Flier Program, Crown Room Club membership and more.
"We are very excited about our new partnership with Delta," said Michael J. Tusiani, Yankees senior vice president of Corporate Sales & Sponsorships. "It is a fully-integrated relationship, inclusive of a premium entitlement area, prominent signage, team charter and hospitality."
Delta's commitment as the official airline of the Yankees also extends to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., the spring home of the New York Yankees where the Delta brand will be displayed on home plate rotational signage, LED advertising and program advertising. There is also a game day sponsorship, hospitality and an affiliation with the Tampa Yankees, the Yankees' Class-A affiliate.
Delta Air Lines is the world's largest airline. From its hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita, Delta, its NWA subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers offer service to more than 376 destinations worldwide in 66 countries and serve more than 170 million passengers each year. Delta's marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks on more than 16,000 daily flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta and its 75,000 worldwide employees are reshaping the aviation industry as the only U.S. airline to offer a full global network. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.
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