Delta's First A330-900neo Routes Announced to Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo
Delta's second major plane launch of 2019 is upon us: Beginning July 1, you'll be able to fly the airline's A330-900neo between Seattle and Asia. The news comes just weeks after Delta began operating Airbus' A220 on medium-haul, business-heavy routes, which we reviewed in both first class and Comfort+.
Seattle (SEA) is a hub that Delta continues to press hard on, launching the A330-900neo on the below routes soon:
- Seattle — Shanghai (effective July 1, 2019)
- Seattle — Seoul-Incheon (effective Aug. 1, 2019)
- Seattle — Tokyo-Narita (effective Aug. 31, 2019)
The A330-900neo features all four of Delta's branded cabins — Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin (economy). Each will offer the following seating:
- 29 Delta One Suites (which we've reviewed on both the A350 and refurbished 777), all with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration
- 29 Delta Premium Select seats (which is Delta's version of premium economy) in a 2-3-2 configuration
- 56 Comfort+ seats in a 2-4-2 layout
- 168 Main Cabin seats, mercifully arranged in a 2-4-2 layout to give couples a chance to sit together without a third person in their row
This compares with 32 Delta One Suites, 48 Delta Premium Select seats and 226 Main Cabin economy seats on Delta's A350.
The jet will be the first Delta aircraft to feature memory foam cushions throughout the aircraft, and the first Delta wide-body aircraft featuring its new wireless inflight entertainment system in every seat. Gogo's 2Ku satellite-based WiFi will also be installed to keep passengers connected for their jaunt over the ocean.
Investors are bound to love the A330-900neo as well, as Delta cites "increased fuel efficiency per seat of more than 20 percent when compared with previous generation aircraft." That's better for Mother Earth, and it also means that Delta should see higher profit per filled seat given that it's paying less in fuel to move each of those passengers.
You'll be able to purchase tickets using both SkyMiles and cash on the first A330-900neo routes beginning March 2, 2019.
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