Delta to boost trans-Atlantic capacity by 90 percent

Delta Air Lines is planning to boost trans-Atlantic capacity by 90 percent in its 2022 summer schedule with all flights offering premium economy. It will be the first time the US carrier has offered delta Premium Select on every European flight since it debuted premium economy in 2017. READ: Qatar Airways launches huge fare sale for Australia  READ: Aussie whizz Hapgood to lead digital production of Boeing’s next aircraft. READ: Sensational new finding in MH370 search  Not letting the pandemic go to waste, Delta updated its Airbus A330 and Boeing 767-300 fleet with the Delta Select cabin previously focussed on long-haul trans-Pacific flights. Both fleets are also getting refreshed lavatories and new LED cabin lighting.

Passengers in the cabin get the usual perks associated with premium economy such as more legroom in a wider seat with a deeper recline and an adjustable footrest and leg rest. They also get bigger seatback screens, an amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones, a blanket and a pillow. The airline says it plans to operate up to 73 daily flights "across the pond" to 25 destinations from 10 US gateway cities. When partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic are included, that expands to 21 US cities with connectivity to 186 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India. Six additional nonstop destinations will see service returning in the northern summer to  Brussels, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Munich, Prague and Zurich. Delta will operate up to 29 daily flights to 23 trans-Atlantic destinations from its hub at New York JFK airport. From Boston, there will be up to 10 daily flights to nine Trans-Atlantic destinations. The US carrier will also restore trans-Atlantic service to three key U.S. markets: Portland to Amsterdam on May 3 as well as Cincinnati and Raleigh-Durham to Paris on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, respectively. “We’re focused on bringing back the routes and destinations our customers love, so they enjoy easy, convenient access to a comprehensive, far-reaching network throughout Europe and its neighboring regions,” said Delta senior vice president network planning Joe Esposito. “With the lifting of restrictions to the U.S. and abroad, plus growing vaccination rates and tremendous pent-up demand, travel to Europe is expected to surge next summer – and Delta customers are assured to enjoy every moment from curb to claim.”