Delta to expand first class seating by 2013
2010-12-20
Due to an increased interest in premium cabin seating on Delta Airlines flights, the carrier is adding more first class seating to more than 60 percent of its domestic aircraft.
Approximately 350 jets in Delta's fleet will undergo renovations to accommodate more than 1,200 new first class seats on its McDonnell Douglas and Boeing planes. The airline also recently remodeled its Connection regional jets to fit 60-plus seats in its premium class cabins.
"Delta already offers more first class seats than any other U.S. airline. This investment in our fleet bolsters our position as the industry leader in first class seating and is a significant advantage for our business customers," Glen Hauenstein of Delta said in a statement. "It is part of a much larger investment - more than $2 billion - that we're making in our fleet, airports and product."
The airline is scheduled to complete renovations by the summer of 2013, boosting its first class seating by 13 percent.
The expansion of first class seating is especially beneficial to members of Delta's SkyMiles program, which offers unlimited domestic upgrades.
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