Delta to merge discount carrier Song

<p>Delta Air Lines Inc. announced plans Friday to merge its discount carrier Song into the Delta brand.</p><p>"As Delta continues its transformation to become a more customer-focused airline, we are incorporating the best of Song into the best of Delta," said Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein in a statement. "Our new Song service will set the standard in transcontinental travel, making Delta the first choice for customers on these routes."</p><p>Song will continue to fly as a separate brand and customers will be able to book flights on Song until May 2006.</p><p>Delta plans include adding 26 first-class seats to Song's fleet of 48 aircraft in an attempt to make the flights more attractive to business travelers.</p><p>The financially-strapped company also plans to convert an additional 50-plus Delta aircraft to two-class Song service and expand in-flight entertainment on Song flighs.</p><p>Joanne Smith, currently president of Song, has been named vice president of consumer maketing for Delta, effective immediately.</p><p>____</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x1cd9f04)</p>

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