CINCINNATI, Jan. 21  -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Delta AirElite, has acquired Kinston, N.C.-based Segrave Aviation. The all-cash transaction will double the size of the Delta AirElite fleet and improve Web-based booking and the travel experience for fleet membership card and charter customers.

"This is an excellent opportunity to couple Delta AirElite's award-winning product and scheduling flexibility with Segrave's leadership in online flight management and operations control," said Wayne Aaron, Delta's vice president - Corporate Strategy and Business Development. "The Segrave acquisition supports Delta's strategy to offer differentiated products and services to our high value customers."

Delta is the only U.S.-based carrier with commercial and private jet service, enabling customers the ability to design their travel plans with the combined reach and convenience of an on-call fleet and the world's largest commercial airline network. Delta AirElite offers customers the ability to earn SkyMiles and immediate Medallion qualification up to Diamond status, further integrating Delta's commercial and private jet product offering to high value customers.

"Coupling Delta's world-renowned brand and reputation for service with Segrave's history as an innovator in private jet operations is a natural fit for the customers who have long counted on Segrave and Delta AirElite," said Jim Segrave of Segrave Aviation. "All of us at Segrave look forward to our new partnership with Delta and the opportunity to grow this exciting segment of Delta's business."

Segrave Aviation began operations in 1994 from Kinston, N.C. Today, it directs a fleet of managed aircraft specializing in wholesale charter aviation services, private aircraft management, aircraft maintenance and fixed base operations.

Delta AirElite, which operates a fleet of owned and managed aircraft, was established in 1984 and is based in Cincinnati. Delta AirElite was named 2009 "Best Private Jet Service" by Executive Travel Magazine. More information is available by calling 877-DAE-JETS (877-323-5387) or by visiting www.AirElite.com.