Delta has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-100 (formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries) today. The airline becomes the first North American operator of the A220 aircraft.
“It is with great pride that we take delivery of our first, state-of-the-art A220-100. The innovation, creativity and remarkable engineering skills that went into the design and production of this aircraft is simply breathtaking. The A220 will serve as the cornerstone of our future domestic growth“, said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a statement on Friday.
The aircraft, registered N101DU, will fly from Mirabel (IATA-Code: YMX) to Delta’s hometown of Atlanta today. Delta employees will then carry out additional induction work and flight crew training ahead of its first customer flight.
Inaugural Airbus A220 flights are set to depart on January 31. The aircraft will initially operate flights from Delta’s hub at New York LaGuardia Airport to Boston Logan International and Dallas/Ft. Worth.
Delta aims to replace 20 per cent of older and less-efficient aircraft by 2020 as part of a fleet modernization programme that includes the introduction of Airbus A220 jets. Furthermore, the airline plans to add new Boeing 737-900ER, Airbus A321, Airbus A350 as well as Airbus A321neo aircraft. In addition, Delta will become the first U.S. airline to operate the new Airbus A330-900neo.
The Airbus A220 was formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries. Earlier this year, the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP) welcomed Airbus as lead partner, prompting the change of name to the Airbus A220.
Read more: Delta announces first Airbus A220 routes
Nick Wenzel founded International Flight Network in 2016. He is the Social Media Manager and an Editor for IFN.news.
