Delta to retrofit Airbus A330, Boeing 767 fleets with Premium Select, in-seat power outlets
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Despite the pandemic, several Delta jets are getting an upgrade.
The Atlanta-based carrier is retrofitting both the legacy Airbus A330 and the Boeing 767-300ER fleets with premium economy cabins and other enhancements, as confirmed by a Delta spokesperson. The first plane to undergo the reconfiguration, a Boeing 767 registered N178DZ, is currently getting modified in Kansas City, Missouri.
The new configuration for the Boeing 767, internally referred to as “76K,” will include an 18-seat Premium Select cabin occupying rows 20-22. The recliners will be arranged in an industry-standard 2-2-2 configuration.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free new biweekly Aviation newsletter!
By the end of May 2022, Delta plans to retrofit 19 of its Boeing 767-300ERs, accounting for roughly half of the aircraft type in its fleet.
As for the A330, both the older -200 and -300 variants will receive a premium economy cabin. (The newer A330-900neo already features a Premium Select and Delta One Suites cabin.)
The A330 retrofits will begin in mid-July this year and all of the carrier’s jets should be complete by mid-June 2022. There’s no telling yet which routes the retrofitted planes will fly, but the current strategy is to deploy them on transatlantic journeys.
In addition to the premium economy upgrade, both the 767s and A330 fleets will also receive additional enhancements, including refreshed lavatories, new LED lighting, in-seat power outlets throughout the cabin and memory-foam comfort seat cushions. Previously, power outlets were reserved for those sitting in the biz or extra-legroom Comfort+ cabin.
Delta’s Premium Select seats are similar to the carrier’s U.S. domestic first-class offering, with a few more bells and whistles, like a leg rest and footrest. Each recliner is equipped with a seat-back entertainment system and power outlets as well. On long-haul international flights, premium economy flyers will receive an amenity kit and elevated meal service too.
While there’s no seat-map available just yet for the A330, Delta has already shared the new layout for the retrofitted “76K.” As you’ll see, the Premium Select cabin on the Boeing 767-300ER is coming at the expense of coach seats.
The legacy configuration included 35 Comfort+ and 165 main cabin seats, while the 767s equipped with Premium Select sport just 21 Comfort+ seats and 151 main cabin ones. In total, the “76K” layout has 10 fewer seats on the plane.
Though Delta is adding a premium economy cabin, the carrier isn’t upgrading the Delta One seats on the A330s or 767-300ERs. These jets feature reverse herringbone and Thompson Vantage lie-flat pods, respectively, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. They’re less comfortable and a bit more claustrophobic than the superior Delta One Suites on the Airbus A330neo and flagship A350.
Related: Every Delta Air Lines premium seat ranked from best to worst
Interestingly, Delta’s larger Boeing 767-400ER is also in the midst of a retrofit program. That jet is receiving a modified version of the Delta One Suite, as well as Premium Select cabins, too.
Despite the fleet retrofits, Delta is slated to phase out the 767-300ERs in the coming years. The carrier announced late last year that the 767s are due to exit the fleet by the end of 2025.
Stay tuned to TPG for more as the planes re-enters service.
Featured photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.