Delta Air Lines Will Begin Boeing 737-800 Flights Between Salt Lake City & Pittsburgh After 4-Year Hiatus

After nearly four years, Delta Air Lines will restart flights to Salt Lake City. Utah from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this winter. The route will be operated all year round.

Restarting the route

On Friday, June 21st, Delta Air Lines announced that it would restart its non-stop operations between Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The first flight for the year is scheduled for November 23rd, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock

The airline has announced that it will operate the route on a year-round basis. The flights will depart from PIT at 17:40 and arrive at SLC at 20:12 local time. The flights from SLC depart at 11:00 and arrive at 16:39 local time.

Delta last served the route in 2020 but suspended service indefinitely after the COVID-19 pandemic severely reduced air travel. Since then, demand has increased, prompting the airline to reinstate it.

According to 21WFMJ News, Bryan Dietz, Senior Vice President of Air Service & Commercial Development at PIT, had this to say about Delta’s move:

“We’re excited Delta is resuming its nonstop service to Salt Lake City, a western market very popular with our business and leisure travelers. This is another huge win for PIT’s growing service portfolio to the Western United States market and an indicator of the region’s strong post-pandemic recovery.”

Salt Lake City was one of the largest unserved markets from Pittsburgh. But that changes come November.

The Atlanta-based airline will utilize its Boeing 737-800s on the route, which has 21% more seat capacity than the previous aircraft used on the route during pre-pandemic times, the Airbus A319. The 737-800s are in the midst of being upgraded with the airline’s latest onboard products. In addition, it will offer free WiFi and in-flight entertainment on the route to “provide an enhanced premium travel experience.”

According to a statement from the airline, the estimated annual economic impact of the direct route is $16 million, which will support 155 direct and indirect jobs.

Simple Flying has contacted Delta Air Lines for a statement regarding the reinstatement of the route.

PIT is growing

In addition to the route to SLC from Delta, the airport began offering flights to San Diego, California, last month. Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier, operates the flights. Furthermore, Southwest Airlines also began flights to San Diego from PIT at the beginning of this month.

Photo: David Peterlin | Shutterstock

15 Airlines operate flights from PIT, including international airlines such as British Airways, Icelandair, and Air Canada. The airport features 135 nonstop destinations, with more being added.

About PIT

PIT opened its doors in 1952 and was a hub airport for TWA during its prime. In 1992, the airport underwent a massive $1 billion renovation. It helped pioneer the X-shaped terminal to reduce walking between gates and featured an underground tram to transport passengers. The New York Times dubbed it “the airport of the future” at the time.

Another massive overhaul is taking place to bring PIT up to modern standards. The project is estimated to cost $1.39 billion. It includes a new check-in terminal, security equipment, and more baggage claims, amongst other improvements. The changes will eliminate the need for the tram system that the airport was once lauded for.

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