Video: Delta's First Airbus A220 Completes Milestone Test Flight
Following a short delay for the stars to perfectly align, Delta's first Airbus A220 has completed its first official test flight in the airline's livery. The aircraft formerly known as the Bombardier C Series took to Canadian skies on Saturday, completing a three-hour test flight in Mirabel, Quebec, after finishing up its time in the paint shop last month. We already had a few photos to gawk at, but the big surprise here is the motif on the underbelly, leaving no doubt as to the carrier associated with this particular plane.
Delta didn't share too many details about the flight beyond that, but suffice it to say everything went well enough to boast about its completion. As a reminder, Delta Air Lines will be the first US airline to take delivery of the A220. Per Delta's own description, the aircraft will "feature a modern interior with a spacious, widebody feel, and best-in-class fuel performance."
The move is part of a larger strategy play which will see Delta upgrade its domestic fleet to replace less-efficient aircraft with highly efficient birds like the A220 as well as new Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A321s, Airbus A350s, the Airbus A330-900neo and the Airbus A321neo.
Next up for Delta's first A220 is a trip back to the assembly line where it will undergo "pre-delivery testing and installation of its state-of-the-art interior" before flying paying passengers from point to point beginning in early 2019.