Delta Airlines is expanding its service at the Rochester International Airport.

The Rochester Airport Company and Delta Airlines held a news conference Monday morning to announce plans to add daily nonstop service from Rochester to Detroit and Atlanta beginning September 14, 2014.

The expansion of service will provide travelers using the Rochester airport direct, nonstop service to three of the largest hubs in the Delta network.  It will also be the first time Rochester will have direct service to Atlanta, which is the world's busiest airport.

Jeff Davidson, Delta's Director of Government Affairs, says by adding flights Detroit and Atlanta will increase the number of one stop destinations from Rochester to around 225 cities throughout the world. He also noted Delta will be using a larger aircraft on 50% of Rochester departures. The 65-seat plane features First and Coach class seating.

Dr. John T. Wald, Medical Director of Public Affairs at Mayo Clinic also attended the news conference and lauded Delta for its decision.

“Transportation to Rochester emerged as a major theme in the Destination Medical Center planning for our patients and the community. Mayo Clinic established the airport in 1929 and has always been one of its strongest supporters. This exciting announcement opens the door to additional one-stop connections making travel to Rochester more convenient for our patients and visitors". 

The announcement came just weeks after Allegiant Airlines announced that it would be ending its service from Rochester to Arizona.

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