Delta Air Lines has pushed back the deployment of its brand new A330neo for unknown reasons. The aircraft was set to fly its new route on July 1st, but has been delayed well into the second half of 2019.

Delta A330neo taking off
Both routes out of Los Angeles will be operated daily on the airline's Airbus A330neo, furnished with Delta's latest cabin products. Photo: Delta Air Lines 

What are the details?

Originally, Delta had scheduled the new A330neo-900 to fly as soon as next week from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The original schedule was as follows:

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) starting July 1st
  • Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) starting August 1st
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) starting August 31st

However, Delta has since advised Routes Online that the original Shanghai Pudong service will now commence on July 15th, with the other services to Seoul Incheon and Tokyo Narita will be delayed until October at the earliest.

The new schedule is summarised as follows:

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) starting July 15th
  • Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) starting October 1st
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) starting October 27th

This is obviously an issue for aviation enthusiasts who may have booked tickets on these first A330neo flights. Now, replacement aircraft will be used for the journey. Previously an Airbus A350 was used for the Shanghai service and a Boeing 767-300 was used for Seoul and Tokyo.

Why was the service delayed?

This is actually not the first time that the Delta A330neo has been delayed. It was previously delayed back in May by 15 days due to supply issues at the Airbus factory in France.

Delta has released this statement to The Points Guy:

“Because Delta is taking delivery of new A330neo aircraft later than initially expected, Delta will debut the industry-leading Widebody aircraft on scheduled Seattle-Shanghai service on July 15 instead of July 1. Delta will work with customers on a case-by-case basis to find alternate flights if needed, but Seattle-Shanghai service will continue with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.”

delta-airlines-receives-its-first-a330neo
Delta celebrates its first Airbus A330-900neo.Photo: Delta Air Lines

Delta was very specific that other flights, like the other two mentioned above, would not be delayed. They have since reneged on that statement.

What is the service like onboard the Delta A330neo?

Simple Flying has previously discussed all the rumors of the new Delta aircraft in great detail.

Delta’s A330-900neo aircraft will offer 281 seats in 4 classes (29 in Delta One, 28 in Delta Premium Select, 56 in Delta Comfort+, and 168 in the main cabin). Simple Flying published a seat map for the aircraft a few weeks ago. This new aircraft will have the very delightful Delta One Suite that will be perfect for the long flights across the Pacific.

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Delta One Suite. Photo: Delta Air Lines

Delta has been very happy with its Airbus purchases so far, saying,

 “Expanding our A330 order book not only ensures that Delta’s near-to-medium-term Widebody needs are taken care of but also drives our strategic, measured international growth,” said Gil West, Delta’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The next-generation engine technology from Rolls-Royce which powers the A330neo provides compelling operating economics, superior fuel performance and the range and coverage for our transoceanic needs going forward.”

What do you think? Will Delta ever fly the new A330neo?