Delta Air Lines (DAL) recently selected Airbus Services to retrofit and upgrade nine A350 aircraft entering its fleet having previously flown at another airline. Delta turned to Airbus Services because of its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and capacity to deliver large and complex upgrades’ technical solutions. This retrofit represents one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive cabin upgrade programs ever launched in an airline’s A350 Program.
“This partnership with Airbus Services will ensure the A350 cabins are harmonized with the rest of our international fleet,” said Kristen Bojko, vice president of Fleet at Delta Air Lines. “The A350 is a critical part of Delta’s network and this retrofit allows us to continue delivering the premium experience that our customers value.”
“Delta’s trust demonstrates that Airbus Services is capable of successfully delivering exceptionally comprehensive upgrade solutions for our customers,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, chairman & CEO of Airbus Americas. “We value the close collaboration we have with the teams at Delta, which will ensure the success of this program.”
The retrofit program will reflect a total nose-to-tail cabin modification including seats, monuments (i.e., lavatories, galleys), overhead bins and more to meet Delta’s high standards for passenger cabin experience, connectivity, avionics and systems configuration. Airbus will provide all the Services Bulletins (including engineering drawings) and kits required for the complete cabin and technical support throughout the duration of the upgrade solution.
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest Airbus widebody operators in the U.S. with 28 A350 aircraft operating and another six ordered, and 62 A330 aircraft operating and another 18 ordered.