Here's a New Glimpse of Delta's First Airbus A220

Oct. 24, 2018

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5 min read

Here's a New Glimpse of Delta's First Airbus A220

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Just over a month ago, Delta Air Lines launched one of its most compelling SkyMiles Experience auctions yet. Four of the highest bidders were treated to a trip to Mirabel, Quebec, to tour and explore the airline's first Airbus A220-100, strap into a flight simulator experience and have a full three month's head start on everyone else when it comes to enjoying Delta's newest fleet member.

One of those winners, Peter S. from Philadelphia, opened up a bit to share what it was like to win and partake. "I decided to take my dad on this trip to the A220 facility because it’s truly once in a lifetime," he said.

Aircraft take on their personalities here at Airbus' Mirabel facility (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

"As an aviation and Delta enthusiast, being one of the first people on this new airplane that Delta and its customers are really excited about, and being able see behind the scenes to a part of the manufacturing process that no one gets to see was really cool. I have a newfound respect for the engineers and people who maintain the planes. There’s so much knowledge, thought and time invested in every detail, and it showed."

Delta SkyMiles Experience auction winner Peter S. and his father admire the carrier's first A220 in Mirabel (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

"The A220 simulator was by far my favorite stop – we all got a chance to fly it ourselves," Peter said. "Seeing my dad in the flight simulator gave me the biggest smile — I love aviation, but it was all new to him and he was getting a kick out of it. It’s seldom we get to do something just the two of us, and it was special to spend the time with him.”

A Delta SkyMiles Experience auction winner enjoying a flight simulator in Mirabel (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

Nothing like the shot of pure adrenaline when sitting in a flight sim for the first time.

As part of the experience, a handful of new, never-before-seen images of the A220 have surfaced.

A closeup of the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan PW1500G engine powering Delta's Airbus A220 (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

If you're just now tuning in to the A220 saga, Delta is the first North American carrier to take delivery of the aircraft formerly known as the Bombardier C Series.

A look at the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan PW1500G engine powering Delta's Airbus A220 (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

Making this jet special is its routing sweet spot: Delta plans to use it on longer runs currently operated by Delta Connection, so don't be surprised if a sparkling new A220 replaces an aging CRJ900 on routes between ~800 and ~1,500 miles.

A wide look inside Airbus' Mirabel aviation facilities (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

Moreover, the main cabin is equipped with Delta's widest economy seat, and the first class cabin has IFE displays that rival some international business class offerings. Delta posits that the A220 offers widebody luxury in a narrowbody aircraft.

A closer look at the Delta livery on the new Airbus A220 in Mirabel — this plane still bears a Canadian registration, which will change once it's delivered (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

Delta's first A220 routes are listed below, with inaugural runs between New York (LGA) and Boston (BOS) as well as New York (LGA) and Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) scheduled for Jan. 31, 2019. As you'd expect, we'll be onboard one of those inaugural flights to bring you a full-scale review of the aircraft.

Route	In-Service
New York (LGA) to Boston (BOS)	January
New York (LGA) to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)	January
Detroit (DTW) to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)	March
New York (LGA) to Houston (IAH)	April
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)	May
Minneapolis (MSP) to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)	June
Houston (IAH) to Detroit (DTW)	July
Houston (IAH) to Minneapolis (MSP)	July
Houston (IAH) to Salt Lake City (SLC)	July
New York (JFK) to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)	August

Featured image by Delta SkyMiles Experience auction winner Peter S. and his father admire the carrier's first A220 in Mirabel (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)