Delta Air Lines reveals new Airbus A321neo first class seat

Delta Air Lines has an all-new domestic first class (known in most other countries as business class) on the way, tied to the debut of its Airbus A321neo jets later this year.

The seat will adorn the first five rows of Delta's A321neo fleet, providing 20 first class pews in a 2-2 arrangement.

The SkyTeam member and Virgin Australia partner says the seats were developed "from the ground up" by partners Recaro and FactoryDesign and incorporate plenty of passenger feedback in key areas:

• privacy, such as the wrap-around seat wings and between-seat dividers, but not at the expense of reducing seat width
• a better inflight working environment, including a larger tray table and passenger-facing AC/USB outlets positioned for easier access
• more storage space for keeping items within reach: there's a deep side pocket next to each passenger plus a thin recess for holding a smartphone or tablet in place
• increased comfort through the use of memory foam cushioning
• a 'next-generation' wireless inflight entertainment system with HD displays
• high-speed satellite WiFi

Delta's new domestic Airbus A321neo first class promises more privacy and more personal space.

The A321neo itself adds to this premium passenger experience equation with larger overhead bins, which will be welcomed by business travellers who live by the 'carry-on only' mantra.

All up, Delta is spruiking this as "a best-in-class, elevated experience for domestic flyers through a brand new First Class seat – designed from the ground up, based on customer research."

Although not yet detailed on Delta's website, the seats broke cover due to being a finalist in the annual 2020 Crystal Cabin Awards "for excellence in aircraft interior innovation" (the winners of those awards will be announced in March 2020 at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg).

The Delta One business class suite appears on Delta's longer-range international flights.

FactoryDesign's previous seatwork for the airline includes the Delta One business class suites – the first of their kind fitted with a sliding door – now flying daily between Sydney and Los Angeles.

ET review: Delta One Suites Boeing 777 business class (Sydney-Los Angeles)

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.