Delta Air Lines has unveiled plans for an all-new, all-suite business class called Delta One, scheduled to debut in fall 2017. The product is designed to deliver a near-private-jet experience, responding to customer demand for greater privacy and comfort.
Tim Mapes, Delta’s chief marketing officer, explained that customers asked for more privacy, which guided the development of the new suite. Each suite will feature a sliding door, ambient lighting, direct aisle access and a lie-flat bed with a memory foam cushion for improved rest. An 18-inch entertainment screen—larger than those offered by other carriers—will be standard in every suite, along with noise-canceling headsets to enhance the in-flight entertainment experience.
Delta One passengers will receive elevated amenity touches, including in-flight loungewear and a Kiehl’s dopp kit. Dining and wine selections will be curated with sommelier-guided pairings, reflecting the airline’s focus on a premium, cohesive cabin experience.
“Added comfort and privacy are important to business travelers, and that drove the design of the all-new Delta One suite,” Mapes said in a company statement, emphasizing the product’s orientation toward frequent flyers and long-haul travelers.
The new suites will debut on Delta’s Airbus A350 fleet; the airline has 25 A350 aircraft on order. In spring 2018, Delta plans to introduce a second Delta One cabin configuration on its Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline expects the full Delta One rollout to be completed by 2020. Initially, the new class will be offered on flights longer than 12 hours, primarily on routes between the United States and Asia.
With the combination of enclosed suites, upgraded bedding and focused service elements, Delta aims to position Delta One as a leading business-class product for travelers seeking privacy, rest and a refined dining experience on long-haul international routes.