Delta Air Lines is trying to change the perception of regional jet service and renew the look of its narrowbody fleet with the launch of its new Airbus A220 service.
The carrier's first revenue flight took off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Friday morning bound for Dallas/Ft. Worth.
Delta agreed to expand its A220 order with Airbus to a total of 95, with delivery taking place over the next four years. The aircraft is designed to replace the CRJ-900 fleet, planes known for restricted passenger space and limited overhead bin space.
Jeffrey Hart, General Manager of MSP Airport Customer Service for Delta, says the aircraft has the widest coach seats in Delta's fleet at 18.3 inches and has full-sized bin space for carry-on luggage. No more boarding a plane with the intentions of carrying on your luggage, and having to still check in your bag because of restricted space.
The A220 also has in-seat entertainment in every seat, WiFi and USB ports.
"I think it's going to be great for our passengers and for our crews. So far, the reviews that have come in on some of our other routes out of New York from our passengers and our crews, they're loving it," said Jonathan Herseth, a 20-year flight attendant based out of MSP.
Hart says the CRJ-900's only allowed relatively short flights up to approximately two hours long, but the A220 expands that range to five hours.
"It's 3,200 miles so it can basically go to 49 states from here," he said.
Delta says next month it will expand A220 service from MSP to Houston.
Other specs of the A220 include:
- 109 seats total
- Extra-large windows
- LED ambient lighting in the main cabin
- 2 X 3 seat layout with a single aisle
And get this... the new jet even has a window in the bathroom.
