Delta to launch nonstop flights from Atlanta to Tel Aviv, Israel

<p>Delta Air Lines Inc. announced Thursday it plans to offer daily nonstop flights between Atlanta and Tel Aviv, Israel, starting March 27.</p><p>The route has long been discussed but never scheduled. It is part of the Atlanta-based carrier's effort to expand internationally.</p><p>The announcement came during a news conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta, which was attended by Gov. Sonny Perdue and Delta's chief executive, Gerald Grinstein.</p><p>"I get a lot of questions these days about Delta Air Lines," Perdue said. "Today's announcement only strengthens my confidence in Delta."</p><p>Grinstein said Delta, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sept. 14, is looking to international expansion as part of its efforts to return to profitability.</p><p>"It is the direction we want to head with most of our service," Grinstein said.</p><p>The idea of an Atlanta-Israel air link dates back more than a decade.</p><p>Delta spokesman John Kennedy said the airline "started looking at it again pretty seriously" during a recent strategic review of operations. He said the airline believes there will be will be a strong market for business and tourist traffic.</p><p>Delta flew from New York to Tel Aviv from 1991 to 1995 after buying Pam Am's European routes. But it dropped those flights, later signing a marketing deal to sell seats on Israeli airline El Al.</p>