Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo as part of its fleet renewal and expansion plans. The US carrier expects to receive 155 additional aircraft, and more than 25 will arrive in 2022. So, what can expect passengers onboard Delta’s new plane? Let’s find out.

Delta’s new A321neo

Delta Air Lines has introduced the new Airbus A321neo into its fleet. On March 24, Airbus delivered the first unit to Delta, an aircraft with the registration N501DA. The delivery marks a celebratory moment for the US carrier as it plans to renew its fleet and introduce more comfort to travelers. After a stop with Delta’s Technical Operations team, the aircraft is scheduled to enter into service in May.

The A321neo will have a capacity of 194 passengers. It will include 20 domestic first class seats, 42 Delta Comfort+ seats, and 132 main cabin seats, said the airline in a statement.

A321neo-seats-Front_view
Delta's A321neos seats. Photo: Delta Air Lines.

Mahendra Nair, Delta’s S.V.P. of Fleet and Tech Ops Supply Chain said,

“The delivery of our first A321neo helps to usher in the next era of premium domestic service at Delta. Not only do these aircraft offer the best customer experience in the industry, but these fuel-efficient airplanes further demonstrate our commitment to a more sustainable future.”

The seats

Delta’s new Airbus A321neo features the domestic first class seats designed between the airline, RECARO, and Factorydesign. They provide more privacy, workspace, and storage. These first class seats were introduced in January 2020.

These seats include several amenities, including:

  • A fixed headrest which allows increased privacy and better sleep without compromising seat width or space
  • A larger and sturdier tray table, including 25% more workspace
  • Three times more volume for storing personal items and devices, including dedicated laptop stowage and water bottle stowage for all phases of flight
  • Certain amenities such as customer-facing power ports and enhanced memory-foam cushions for added comfort.
A321neo-seats-Back Cabin_view
This is a look inside Delta's new A321neo cabin. Photo: Delta.

Delta’s new A321neo fleet also has a wireless in-flight entertainment system at every seat, spacious overhead bins, power ports, and WiFi. The new in-flight entertainment system created by Delta is also available in other aircraft like the Airbus A220, and the Boeing 767s.

Delta A321neo
Photo: Delta Air Lines

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Delta’s massive Airbus A321neo investment

In August 2021, Delta and Airbus announced an additional order for 30 A321neo aircraft, to help meet the airline’s future requirements.

With the new announcement, Delta increased its overall outstanding orders with Airbus to a total of 155 A321neos.

Delta’s A321neos are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engine, and the airline plans to primarily deploy them throughout the United States in domestic routes.

Many of Delta’s A321neos will be delivered from the Airbus US Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama (although N501DA was delivered in Hamburg, Germany).

Last year, Mahenra Nair, said,

“Adding these aircraft strengthens Delta’s commitment to replacing older fleets with more sustainable, efficient jets, and offering the best customer experience in the industry.”

Meanwhile, Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, added that Delta is showing responsible leadership and casting a strong vote of confidence in the A321neo, as the industry emerges from the pandemic.

Are you excited about Delta’s new Airbus A321neo? Do you want to try it? Let us know in the comments below.