Delta Plans First Flights from Detroit to South America

Delta Air Lines unveiled plans to introduce the first-ever nonstop flights between its Detroit Metropolitan Airport hub and Sao Paulo, Brazil, bolstering the city’s position as a leading international gateway.

Delta has requested authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to introduce two weekly flights between Detroit and Sao Paulo beginning Nov. 4. Delta already holds certain rights to operate Sao Paulo service, but requires DOT permission to fly from Detroit.

Delta would operate the flights using 216-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 35 seats in BusinessElite and 181 seats in Economy Class. The governments of the United States and Brazil have agreed to an expansion of U.S. carrier opportunities, and Delta has separately applied for new rights to increase Detroit-Sao Paulo to daily service as soon as permitted by Brazil.