Delta expands private jet operation

Delta AirElite, a charter operator, caters to "high-value customers," such as business owners or those who live in places without many options for commercial flights. It also offers frequent flier benefits on Delta. Delta said it is the only U.S.-based airline with commercial and private jet service.

Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the AirElite business allows customers to charter business jets to get to their destination or to connect to commercial Delta flights. It "supports our strategy to provide differentiating products and services to high-value customers," Black said.

Segrave Aviation, which has a maintenance operation along with its charter service and jet management operations, is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta AirElite. But as Segrave is integrated into AirElite's operation, the consolidation may result in job transfers or job cuts, Black said.

Delta AirElite started operations in 1984 as Comair Jet Express. After Delta acquired Comair Holdings, it changed the name of the Jet Express operation to Delta AirElite. In addition to on-demand charter service, the company sells fleet memberships for a set number of flight hours. It also manages private aircraft for companies and individuals, in many cases hiring them out to others when not needed by the owner. Its fleet includes aircraft such as Hawker Beechcraft, Lear 60 and Challenger 604 jets.