Delta bringing new fleet of jets to airport

TUPELO — Delta Airlines has brought a new fleet of planes to provide service from Tupelo to Memphis.

The 50-seat regional jets are replacing the Saab twin turbo prop that seated only 35 people.

Delta expects the jet to save more money with regional flights like those from Tupelo along with maintenance costs.

Delta provides 15 flights per week from Tupelo to Memphis and will continue commercial flights from Tupelo through at least July of 2012.

Delta had provided jet service between Tupelo and Atlanta from June 2005 to January 2008, but dropped the flight, blaming escalating fuel prices and a reduction in its domestic operations.

Tupelo Regional executive director Josh Abramson said the last Saab for Tupelo flew out last Thursday.