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.
RELATED VIDEO:
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.