Delta adds more lie-flat seats, upgrades entertainment

U.S.-based airline Delta is upgrading its fleet of aircraft to feature more lie-flat beds in premium seats, as well as an improved in-flight entertainment system for both economy and premium travellers. 

The new lie-flat seats in Delta’s BusinessElite class are arranged in a herringbone configuration, and all seats will feature direct aisle access. The seats are similar in nature to Virgin Atlantic's and Air New Zealand's business class offerings.

There are already eight Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in service with the new seats. Delta’s remaining fleet of 777-200ER aircraft are expected to receive the upgraded seats and in-flight entertainment system within the next six months, and by June of 2011 Delta hopes to fit out its entire fleet of 777s and 767-400ERs with the new seats. 

Additionally, seven of Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft will be upgraded with lie-flat seats, bringing their total number of aircraft with the upgrade to 46 by the middle of next year. 

While lie-flat seats are a welcome addition for premium travellers, economy passengers will be able to appreciate the new in-flight entertainment system, which includes a “greatly expanded library of content” and “more than 1,000 entertainment choices”. The new personal TV is lodged in the seatback of the passenger in front of you, similar to offerings from Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.