Delta Vows to Fight Heathrow Split From Virgin as Frontier Overhauls Leadership

Delta Air Lines Inc. said it will pursue “all available remedies” to overturn a decision by London’s Heathrow Airport to move its operations away from joint-venture partner Virgin Atlantic. The dispute sets up a fight over one of the most lucrative transatlantic markets.

Heathrow plans to move Delta from Terminal 3, which it shares with Virgin, to Terminal 4 from 2028. The move is part of a wider reshuffle that follows a three-year terminal review, and Virgin will stay in Terminal 3. The airport says the changes will make better use of existing capacity and leave room for growth. It says airlines representing 81% of its passengers support the outcome.

Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian called the decision “short-sighted, deeply disappointing and bad for airline consumers.” “Separating our operation undermines years of investment,” he said on Monday. He added that the partnership gives UK travelers “a valuable competitive alternative across the Atlantic.” Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster has also warned that splitting the carriers would make journeys harder and weaken competition.

Frontier Group Holdings Inc., meanwhile, overhauled its senior leadership as Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Dempsey reshapes the Denver-based discount carrier. Frontier hired Michael Delehant, a former executive at Europe’s Wizz Air and Vueling, as chief operating officer, effective Nov. 30. Two senior vice presidents, Trevor Stedke in operations and Alex Clerc in customers, will leave the company on Nov. 13.

James Fenner was promoted to chief revenue officer, overseeing pricing, loyalty and network planning. Bobby Schroeter becomes chief marketing officer. “Michael brings a wealth of airline experience across diverse commercial and operational disciplines,” Dempsey said.

Dempsey took the top job permanently after serving as interim CEO following Barry Biffle’s abrupt departure last December.