Delta Air Lines reveals new Airbus A321neo first class seat

By David Flynn, January 28 2020
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.
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.
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

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.

Wow, these new seats look terribly close, front to back. Its hard to imagine they would pass evacuation requirements

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

07 Dec 2014

Total posts 170

>>Its hard to imagine they would pass evacuation requirements

If standard economy class seats pass evacuation requirements, why would you think these would not?

I was looking near to floor level. If your carryon stuck out that much they would make you put it in the overhead locker.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

07 Dec 2014

Total posts 170

These seats have a passing resemblance to Qantas' new generation Premier Economy.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Feb 2015

Total posts 387

A step up from the 'European Business' but far from setting the standard for domestic business class.

01 Sep 2019

Total posts 5

Leg room looks very restricted. Maybe similar to virgins economy X (in terms of legroom) if that!

What is the seating layout for the main cabin, 3-3?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Feb 2015

Total posts 150

Looks like this would be a good base for the next gen Premium Economy seats on Qantas A350 Sunrise aircraft. The extra storage options and privacy wings look good, but definitely need extra legroom!

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1225

Who doesn't love the carry-on mantra on US domestic airlines??....not! Every boarding is chaotic.

I may have missed it but does the seat recline within its capsule or into the space behind?

30 Jan 2020

Total posts 2

Ah Delta.. they forgot the footrest, again, didn't they. Essential while we wait and wait.. for our first drink


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Delta Air Lines reveals new Airbus A321neo first class seat