DELTA Air Lines has announced a major investment in its international fleet with plans to introduce a premium economy section – Economy Comfort – on all long-haul international flights.
The new seats will feature up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 per cent more recline than standard international economy seats.
The seats, which are similar to upgraded economy services on Delta’s joint venture partner Air France-KLM, are being installed on more than 160 Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft.
Passengers booking international economy tickets will be able to choose Economy Comfort seats for an additional fee of $80 to $160 with complimentary and cut-price access available to the various levels of SkyMiles members.
“Just as Delta is investing in BusinessElite, which is among the industry’s most competitive premium products, it makes sense to offer enhancements to our economy-class service that provide additional comfort,” said Delta’s Glen Hauenstein. “Economy Comfort is one of many elements Delta is committed to delivering to our customers as part of a more than $2 billion investment we are making in the air and on the ground to improve the customer experience and position Delta as a leader in customer service.”
In addition to more leg room and recline, customers seated in Economy Comfort will also board early.
As well as investing in the international economy cabin, Delta has announced plans to install horizontal flat-bed BusinessElite seats, with direct aisle access, in each of its 32 Airbus A330 aircraft by 2013 allowing the carrier to offer full flat-bed seating on all international widebody flights, or more than 150 aircraft, by 2013.
The announcements are the latest in Delta’s previously released plans to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013.