SYRACUSE -- Delta Air Lines announced Friday that it will launch new jet service between Syracuse Hancock International Airport and its new hub at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Delta will offer five daily flights, beginning March 25, 2012, replacing turboprop service currently operated by US Airways.

"Our new flights will provide faster, more convenient service between Syracuse and New York City’s preferred airport for business travelers," said Delta Senior Vice President Gail Grimmett. "From our new LaGuardia hub, we will also be able to offer connections to more than 50 destinations in the Delta network."

With the addition of flights to LaGuardia, Delta will fly fifteen daily flights to five non-stop destinations from Syracuse, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, and New York–JFK.

"This is an exciting time for Delta and Syracuse Hancock International Airport," said City of Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner. "The launch of the LaGuardia service comes at a time when we are taking the airport in a new direction and we are very pleased to be a part of this new direction for Delta Air Lines."

"We are pleased to have supported Delta’s efforts to launch this new service because New York City is one of the most important markets for Syracuse area business travelers," said Kevin Schwab, vice president, air service development at CenterState CEO. "Delta’s new jet service will make it easier to do business in New York and return the same day; these flights also provide a convenient new option to connect to dozens of key business destinations beyond New York."

Delta’s new LaGuardia flights are made possible under a new agreement with US Airways to exchange takeoff and landing rights at LaGuardia and Washington-Reagan National airport. The agreement was recently approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"Whether it’s a family looking to take a day trip to New York City or a repeat business traveler, the new benefits of the Delta and US Airways slot swap, set to land in Syracuse come March, will make traveling to the Big Apple-and-beyond easier and more affordable," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "I worked hard to land this deal for Hancock, and with new jets waiting in the wings to fly more direct and connecting flights, the sky’s the limit when flying out of Syracuse."

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