Delta Ditches Narrow-Body Jets for Europe Flights, Prioritizing Product and Brand

Delta Air Lines is opting out of a growing trend among carriers to utilize narrow-body aircraft for transatlantic routes to Europe. Citing "product and brand issues," the airline’s president, Glen Hauenstein, stated that Delta will continue to rely on its larger, twin-aisle jets for these long-haul journeys, diverging from competitors who are leveraging more fuel-efficient single-aisle planes.

Key Takeaways

• Delta will not deploy narrow-body jets on flights to Europe.
• The decision is based on maintaining Delta’s brand and product standards for long-haul travel.
• Competitors are increasingly using narrow-body aircraft like the A321XLR for transatlantic routes.

The Rise of Narrow-Body Transatlantic Flights

In recent years, airlines such as JetBlue, Iberia, and Aer Lingus have embraced smaller, single-aisle planes for U.S.-Europe routes. This shift is largely due to advancements in engine technology, making these aircraft capable of longer flights. These planes are often equipped with premium cabins, like JetBlue’s Mint, and enable airlines to open up less common destinations due to lower operating costs and reduced financial risk per flight.

United Airlines, for instance, is using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 for new routes to Europe, and American Airlines has ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs, intending to use them for new routes to Europe and South America. Aer Lingus has already expanded its service from Dublin to smaller U.S. cities using its A321XLRs.

Delta’s Stance on Product and Brand

Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s president, expressed that the airline has "chosen not to fly narrow-bodies in the transatlantic because of product and brand issues." This suggests that Delta believes the long-haul experience on smaller aircraft does not align with its brand image. Potential drawbacks of narrow-body jets on long flights include fewer lavatories, less space for passengers to move around, and reduced galley space for the crew.

While some airlines equip their narrow-body long-haul planes with lie-flat business class seats, others, like United and Alaska Airlines on certain routes, offer domestic-style first-class recliners instead. Delta, while planning to introduce lie-flat seats on its A321neos in the future, intends to keep these aircraft focused on transcontinental and shorter routes. Larger aircraft like the Boeing 767, Airbus A330, and A350 will continue to service Delta’s European network.

Sources

• Delta won’t use narrow-body planes for long flights to Europe, The Points Guy.