Delta’s A220-100 has taken to the skies for its first customer flight, departing New York’s LaGuardia Airport on 7 February.
“We have big plans for this aircraft,” said Chuck Imhof, vice-president — New York and sales, East. “It will be an integral part of our future domestic fleet and will deliver an experience our customers will look forward to every time they fly.”
The airline said the new aircraft brings elements of “international widebody travel to domestic routes”.
Delta’s A220 has 109 seats with 12 in First Class, 15 in Delta Comfort+ and 82 in the Main Cabin. The interior features seat-back screens and 2Ku Wi-Fi, as well as high-capacity overhead bins, extra-large windows and full-spectrum LED ambient lighting.
The airline took delivery of its first A220 in October 2018, and recently announced an order for 15 additional A220s, extending its order book to 90 total aircraft. Gil West, Delta’s chief operating officer commented on the announcement: “These additional A220 aircraft will continue to strategically enable Delta to refresh our fleet, drive further advances in the customer experience and serve as an excellent investment for our customers, employees and shareowners for Delta into the next decade.”
The aircraft is the latest investment in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme aiming to replace 20% of older less-efficient aircraft by 2020.
The aircraft takes advantage of advanced technology and composite materials expected to deliver considerable improvements in fuel efficiency.
Delta’s A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. Pratt & Whitney says the aircraft offers double-digit improvements in operating costs compared to current generation aircraft and is 20% more fuel efficiency.
