The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that Delta Air Lines will begin nonstop daily service to Rome, Italy starting in May 2003. The seasonal service will run from May through September and will be Boston's only nonstop link to the Italian capital.
"New service to Rome, coupled with Lufthansa's Munich service introduced earlier this year, solidifies Boston's importance as a destination for international travel," said Massport CEO Craig P. Coy. "A world class city needs nonstop access to the international marketplace for business and leisure travelers. We will continue to meet our customers' needs by attracting flights to key markets."
Late last year, officials from Massport and Rome's airport jointly met with Delta representatives to discuss the importance and necessity of linking Boston and Rome with nonstop service. Massport estimated that in 2000, 60,000 passengers traveled between Rome and Boston, making it one of the largest international markets from Boston not served by a nonstop flight. Since Alitalia moved its Boston service from Rome to Milan in 1998, establishing a nonstop flight to Rome has been a key Massport objective.
"Delta Air Lines' nonstop service to Rome provides a critical link between two world-class cities," said Paul Guzzi, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. "This new service will strengthen our region's ability to compete in international markets, and support the Greater Boston visitor industry. Additionally, many Boston residents and business leaders have strong cultural ties to Italy, so Delta's new offering is a natural fit. The business community congratulates Delta on this service."
The flights will feature Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
The new Delta schedule between Boston and Rome starting on May 1, 2003:
- Delta Flight 114 departs Boston 5:40 p.m. Arrives Rome 7:45 a.m.
- Delta Flight 115 departs Rome 12:20 p.m. Arrives Boston 3:40 p.m.