Delta announced today that their discount carrier Song will stop flying as of May 2006. The reason for this announcement is to incorporate the fleet of 757’s into Deltas regular service.

Delta will reintroduce first class service to the 48 planes. This will be beneficial for the business traveler and bring the planes into line with the existing fleet.

When Song was created, the staff was brought from Delta and became employees of the subsidiary, not Delta. I wonder what the fate of these employees will be?

Bloomberg: Delta Will End Song Discount Flights, Retain Elements

Oct. 28 (Bloomberg) — Delta Air Lines Inc. will close its low-fare Song service, created two years ago to take on discount carriers, as part of a bankruptcy reorganization. The airline will adopt features of the unit, such as leather seats and seat-back televisions, on some of its most-traveled routes.

AP: Delta to Discontinue Song by May 2006

Delta officials said there will be no layoffs directly from Song’s elimination. Any reductions that do occur are part of the 7,000 to 9,000 job cuts Delta announced last month as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, a spokeswoman said.

Delta expects to cut marketing and other costs as a result of closing Song, but the company did not release estimates.