A Guide to Delta’s Widebody Fleet
Delta Air Lines announced last week that they planned to install a new business class product on allfuture Airbus A350s and all current Boeing 777-200s. This new business class product, branded as DeltaONE Suites, was touted by Delta as being the first ever all-suite business class product. The new seat, which features all fully retractable door, larger entertainment screen, and additional storage, was well received amongst frequent flyers. However, with the introduction of yet another business class product into Delta’s fleet, this does open the door to inconsistent experiences in the business class cabin.
To alleviate any inconsistencies and to better outline the upcoming changes to Delta’s business class cabins, I decided to release a (very dense) chart and description of each business class product Delta offers.
Delta’s Widebody Fleet; Business Class
First and foremost, I will not outline Delta’s Economy or EconomyComfort+ on any aircraft. Delta has done a terrific job of maintaining a consistent Economy class product across not only its widebody fleet but also its narrowbody fleet. So, it makes little sense clearing up something that doesn’t need to be cleared up. I will only outline business class products on Delta’s widebodies and transcontinental Boeing 757-200s.
Seat-by-Seat
#1; B/E Aerospace Diamond Seat
This business class product is the only product in Delta’s entire business class lineup that doesn’t provide direct aisle access. It’s also in limit service as it can only be found on the Boeing 757-200 Transcontinental. Delta’s Boeing 757s feature 16 B/E Aerospace Diamond seats in a 2-2 configuration. Each seat is fully lie-flat and features Delta’s latest in-flight entertainment.
#2; Thompson Vantage
This seat is found on all of Delta’s internationally configured Boeing 767s, including the -300ER and -400ER. Each seat features direct aisle access in a staggered, 1-2-1 configuration. Additionally, they feature Delta’s latest in-flight entertainment system.
#3; Delta’s Thompson Vantage XL; DeltaONE Suite
Delta’s latest business class product doesn’t enter into service until fall 2017. This seat, equipped with a fully retractable door, will make its debut with the Airbus a350-900. Each DeltaONE Suite will feature the closing door, additional storage, and a larger in-flight entertainment monitor. Once Delta’s fleet restoration is complete, this product will also be found on all Boeing 777-200s.
#4; Zodiac Cirrus; Reverse Herringbone
The reverse herringbone version of Delta’s Zodiac Cirrus product is found on all Airbus a330s, the -200 and -300, as well as all Boeing 747s. Each seat features direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration (or 1-1 configuration on the upper deck of the Boeing 747). This seat is one of Delta’s oldest business class products having originally been one of the first BusinessElite seats, however, the seat still features Delta’s updated in-flight entertainment system.
#5; Zodiac Cirrus; Herringbone Seating
Found only on the Boeing 777s, this seat will be phased out once each aircraft is retrofitted with Delta’s new DeltaONE Suites. This product is similar to Delta’s Reverse Herringbone configuration in that it’s configured in a 1-2-1 layout.
Overall
I created a similar chart and similar post for American’s international fleet, however, it’s obvious that Delta’s fleet restoration project will be less painful and confusing than American’s. Unlike American, Delta will only introduce a single new business class product over the next few years, whereas American has introduced four.
Let me know if the chart and fleet overview answered any questions. I’ll do my best to answer any fleet-related questions/concerns.
