Delta Air Lines is introducing seven of its newest Airbus A321neo aircraft with an unusually large domestic first-class cabin, featuring 44 recliner seats per aircraft — more than double the first-class capacity typically found on US narrowbody jets.
The temporary cabin layout includes 11 rows of first-class seating in a 2-2 configuration, occupying nearly the entire front half of the aircraft. Behind the premium cabin are 54 Delta Comfort+ seats and 66 Main Cabin seats, bringing the total passenger capacity to 164 travelers. Standard Delta A321neos usually accommodate 194 passengers with only 20 first-class seats.
According to Delta Air Lines, the oversized premium cabin was not part of the original plan. These aircraft were initially intended to feature lie-flat Delta One suites manufactured by Safran. However, certification delays for the business-class suites forced the aircraft to remain parked in storage for more than a year.
To avoid further delays ahead of the busy summer travel season, Delta opted to install standard domestic first-class recliners temporarily. The airline stated that scheduled operations with the new configuration will begin on June 7, mainly operating premium domestic routes from Atlanta to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego.
Once the Safran lie-flat suites receive certification approval, the aircraft will be reconfigured into Delta’s planned three-class layout featuring 16 Delta One suites, 12 Premium Select seats, 54 Comfort+ seats, and 66 Main Cabin seats.
