Delta Air Lines has announced plans to pack its new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners with premium seats, a move that will likely feature heavily on transatlantic routes. The carrier has placed a large order for 30 of the aircraft, which are due to join its fleet by 2031.
The airline's chief commercial officer, Joe Esposito, suggested on a recent earnings call that the 787-10s will be a fixture on transatlantic routes, replacing its aging Boeing 767s. This is not a surprise, given that the Dreamliners are intended to provide a more efficient and profitable option for the carrier.
At least half of the seats on the new 787-10s will be premium seats, a significant shift from many of Delta's existing transatlantic jets. This will give passengers a more luxurious experience, with more space and amenities.
Delta has been prioritizing premium seating in recent years, with a focus on high-end products and efficient use of cabin space. This approach has paid off, with the carrier's premium-heavy strategy contributing to its bottom line.
The airline has also confirmed that it will dedicate more and more of its cabin space to premium seats, rather than expanding its coach seating capacity. This is in line with its focus on providing a more luxurious experience for passengers.
Delta's premium push is set to continue into the 2030s and beyond, with its new Airbus A350-1000s also featuring a high-end business-class product. The carrier's rival, United Airlines, has also taken a similar approach with its recently-launched Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The industry's premium push remains a key trend, with many carriers prioritizing high-end seating and amenities. Whether this trend can maintain its momentum remains to be seen, but it appears Delta's Dreamliners will be a key player in this space for years to come.
