David Bishko stood like a marked man at the front of the Fulton County Government Center's legislative chamber.

Throughout a Sept. 20 Brazil business forum, Delta Air Lines Inc.'s managing director for Latin America and Caribbean was the target of many good-natured jabs about the need for more air service to various parts of the country.

When he got his chance to speak, Mr. Bishko assured the audience that Delta wants more than anyone to expand in the region's largest market.

"We prioritize, and without question our ...