I wonder if the mods wouldn't mind keeping this a separate thread. I realize there are one or two other unrelated Delta A350 threads but those have been ongoing for a while and wouldn't fully carry the interest and desirability to those wishing to monitor DL's first revenue A350 flight.

Flight 275 is roughly 27 hours away from take-off. Will DL have a special ceremony at DTW?

Since both A350's are in DTW, is it known which one will be flight 275 tomorrow?

No precipitation tomorrow but it will be a bit windy, winds out of the WSW to 23 MPH.

Hopefully we can get some pictures posted on here. Thanks all!!

Some other interesting things to note: DL 1 suites will go out full, premium cabin as well, A few seats are still for sale in the main cabin but it looks to be a completely full flight.

I`d be surprised if they didn`t organize something at DTW tomorrow, it should be made into a "sense-of-occasion"
for their customers, it being the first revenue flight of a US owned A350. People around the world who have flown
on it speak of it as being rather special. It may garner some unwarranted criticism because it`s a B787 competitor
& not made in the US, but I reckon the vast majority will be impressed & seek further journeys on it. I wish Delta
success with it, & hope all the lucky ones making first flight have a brilliant time......wish I was on it!

Tedd wrote:

I`d be surprised if they didn`t organize something at DTW tomorrow, it should be made into a "sense-of-occasion"
for their customers, it being the first revenue flight of a US owned A350. People around the world who have flown
on it speak of it as being rather special. It may garner some unwarranted criticism because it`s a B787 competitor
& not made in the US, but I reckon the vast majority will be impressed & seek further journeys on it. I wish Delta
success with it, & hope all the lucky ones making first flight have a brilliant time......wish I was on it!

No they’ll just have a huge event in Atlanta as the plane sits at the gate in Detroit, or theyll swap it and throw a huge party in ATL and call the first ever Delta 350 route is out glorious Atlanta. Most other hubs and out stations get pretty tired of the overglorification about ATL.

Last week the spare engine made it's long journey from ATL to DTW. We heard it had to go west all the way to Missouri before heading north to DTW due to height restrictions on the roads. Even disassembled it is one big motor.

Any Anetters on this inaugural? It would be very welcome to get some unbiased views and opinions of Premium Select and the business class suite as far as the feelings on the 'door', the comfort of the seat and the overall width of the seat.

Will DL handout DL 'A350' pins or buttons? I think UA did something like that for the employee only 747 flights last week.

Dalmd88 wrote:

Last week the spare engine made it's long journey from ATL to DTW. We heard it had to go west all the way to Missouri before heading north to DTW due to height restrictions on the roads. Even disassembled it is one big motor.

They shipped it up via truck? Why not fly it up?

Where is this heading to again? NRT?

Either way, exciting times at DL!

I still hear people on a Anet saying that no US Airline will ever take their 350s... Congratulations to DL!

jumbojet wrote:

They shipped it up via truck? Why not fly it up?

It's pretty expensive to fly cargo that large and heavy for a non-urgent situation. It doesn't exactly fit in a standard cargo container.

RogerMurdock wrote:

jumbojet wrote:

Dalmd88 wrote:

They shipped it up via truck? Why not fly it up?

It's pretty expensive to fly cargo that large and heavy for a non-urgent situation. It doesn't exactly fit in a standard cargo container.

Second that. I think they`d have needed at least a B747. If the fan had been on then an Antonov.Trucking it more sensible
& very much cheaper.

RalXWB wrote:

I still hear people on a Anet saying that no US Airline will ever take their 350s... Congratulations to DL!

UA next in line for the A350, then with a bit of luck AA. The US airlines can only ignore quality for so long

Delta's second A350 will operate flight 275.

Looks like N502DN gets the nod for tomorrow.

Good luck DL, your in for 6-12 months of trying to work out how to operate the new airframe. Lots of new gadgets, new ways of looking at things, and new ways of fixing things.

jumbojet wrote:

Any Anetters on this inaugural? It would be very welcome to get some unbiased views and opinions of Premium Select and the business class suite as far as the feelings on the 'door', the comfort of the seat and the overall width of the seat.

Will DL handout DL 'A350' pins or buttons? I think UA did something like that for the employee only 747 flights last week.

I'm booked in 3A. I'll be posting a trip report almost immediately after travel...going to hopefully do a live blog on my website.

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Flew Asiana ICN-SFO on the A350 this week. I wasn't expecting much, but I loved it. Great ride.
(Business class seats were the most comfy I've been in).

Really impressed with the bird, hope it serves Delta well long into the future!

Cebo29 wrote:

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Historic? Hahahaha. Just as historic as DL's first DC-9, 737, 727, 757, 767, MD-11, etc.

What is historic or unique here? DL has flown DTW-NRT and the A350 has been flying years. Why is this any different than any other new aircraft type DL has operated. Was their first A321 flight historic? I saw no posts claiming so. Why is this any different?

clrd4t8koff wrote:

Cebo29 wrote:

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Historic? Hahahaha. Just as historic as DL's first DC-9, 737, 727, 757, 767, MD-11, etc.

What is historic or unique here? DL has flown DTW-NRT and the A350 has been flying years. Why is this any different than any other new aircraft type DL has operated. Was their first A321 flight historic? I saw no posts claiming so. Why is this any different?

Cleared for tatekoff, it's quite historic. It's the first revenue flight of a cutting edge widebody jet featuring services not previously offered by any U.S. carrier. Good luck to Delta tomorrow!

PWMRamper wrote:

jumbojet wrote:

Any Anetters on this inaugural? It would be very welcome to get some unbiased views and opinions of Premium Select and the business class suite as far as the feelings on the 'door', the comfort of the seat and the overall width of the seat.

Will DL handout DL 'A350' pins or buttons? I think UA did something like that for the employee only 747 flights last week.

I'm booked in 3A. I'll be posting a trip report almost immediately after travel...going to hopefully do a live blog on my website.

I'll be back in premium select! 22B.

777Mech wrote:

PWMRamper wrote:

jumbojet wrote:

Any Anetters on this inaugural? It would be very welcome to get some unbiased views and opinions of Premium Select and the business class suite as far as the feelings on the 'door', the comfort of the seat and the overall width of the seat.

Will DL handout DL 'A350' pins or buttons? I think UA did something like that for the employee only 747 flights last week.

I'm booked in 3A. I'll be posting a trip report almost immediately after travel...going to hopefully do a live blog on my website.

I'll be back in premium select! 22B.

Get out!

That's awesome.

Please tell us your unbiased opinion of the flight, premium select and of course the 359 itself.

Cebo29 wrote:

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Now 2 Anetters on the flight. That's great. enjoy.

Cebo29 wrote:

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Yikes, hope you mean Exciting.

I intend on going into work early to see any festivities for the inaugural. I did get a phone wallet with the 350 on it, but that's about it.

flymco753 wrote:

Tedd wrote:

I`d be surprised if they didn`t organize something at DTW tomorrow, it should be made into a "sense-of-occasion"
for their customers, it being the first revenue flight of a US owned A350. People around the world who have flown
on it speak of it as being rather special. It may garner some unwarranted criticism because it`s a B787 competitor
& not made in the US, but I reckon the vast majority will be impressed & seek further journeys on it. I wish Delta
success with it, & hope all the lucky ones making first flight have a brilliant time......wish I was on it!

No they’ll just have a huge event in Atlanta as the plane sits at the gate in Detroit, or theyll swap it and throw a huge party in ATL and call the first ever Delta 350 route is out glorious Atlanta. Most other hubs and out stations get pretty tired of the overglorification about ATL.

What's your beef with ATL? It is where Delta is based... I know several people at "other hubs and outstations" who don't share your negativity...

Had a trip planned to NRT and would have liked to be on this one. Unfortunately, trip was moved to Seoul. Next time!

deltatim wrote:

flymco753 wrote:

Tedd wrote:

I`d be surprised if they didn`t organize something at DTW tomorrow, it should be made into a "sense-of-occasion"
for their customers, it being the first revenue flight of a US owned A350. People around the world who have flown
on it speak of it as being rather special. It may garner some unwarranted criticism because it`s a B787 competitor
& not made in the US, but I reckon the vast majority will be impressed & seek further journeys on it. I wish Delta
success with it, & hope all the lucky ones making first flight have a brilliant time......wish I was on it!

No they’ll just have a huge event in Atlanta as the plane sits at the gate in Detroit, or theyll swap it and throw a huge party in ATL and call the first ever Delta 350 route is out glorious Atlanta. Most other hubs and out stations get pretty tired of the overglorification about ATL.

What's your beef with ATL? It is where Delta is based... I know several people at "other hubs and outstations" who don't share your negativity...

I understand that ATL is we’re DL is based, I visit the area quite frequently and enjoy it, but I feel oustations or other hubs don’t receive the credit they deserve, a good one would be an article I saw some time ago praising ATL for their award winning de-ice team where clearly MSP or DTW have a much better de-ice team and each one of those stations take pride in that.

The inaugural flight IS a big deal internally at DL.

A close friend of mine is a FA on the inaugural.

She and the rest of the Inagural crew were flown to ATL a couple of weeks ago to review the A/C. That didn't happen for the A321, as it was really not much different than the A320. The A350 is much more complicated from an inflight service perspective, with two brand new cabin seating arrangments.

DL has also brought Inflight Service program Managers to DTW to also be available for any service contingency during the flight.

There many unique behind the scene activities going on to ensure inflight activity goes flawlessly.

The A350 will replace the 747 as the flagship of the DL fleet- and the cabin, seating, and service ammenities are all part of DL's strategy to enhance the airlines' global image. There has been significant planning to make sure the inaugural A350 flight is memorable for the passengers on the flight.

Yeah N502DN is the bird scheduled for tomorrow. It was sitting out on the north maintenance apron at DTW today and the other A350 was in one of the north maintenance hangars. It looked super shiny and new! If any of you a.nutters are on Facebook check out the 'Michigan Planespotting' group and you'll see some nice pics of it on there. Looking forward to seeing pics / videos of it tomorrow. Wish I could have gone down to the airport to see if off but I'll be at work. Did manage to catch the last Delta 747 flying DTW-NRT earlier today though -- https://youtu.be/BUm2GsOX5ls

hz747300 wrote:

Cebo29 wrote:

Got my tickets for tomorrow. Should be reporting on this historic flight. Exiting day God permitting.

Yikes, hope you mean Exciting.

Hahaha! That's funny....although let's hope for the sake of the other pax, that's not what you mean

KDTWflyer wrote:

If any of you a.nutters are on Facebook check out the 'Michigan Planespotting' group and you'll see some nice pics of it on there.

This group is a real hidden gem, I'm glad to have discovered it!

Historic? Hahahaha. Just as historic as DL's first DC-9, 737, 727, 757, 767, MD-11, etc.

What is historic or unique here? DL has flown DTW-NRT and the A350 has been flying years. Why is this any different than any other new aircraft type DL has operated. Was their first A321 flight historic? I saw no posts claiming so. Why is this any different?[/quote]


Historic in the sense that those aircraft you started with are all pretty much still flying with DL.

As for what is historic? Except for the DL BB's, no one cares. Its not like this is the launch customer of a new plane.

jumbojet wrote:

Any Anetters on this inaugural? It would be very welcome to get some unbiased views and opinions of Premium Select and the business class suite as far as the feelings on the 'door', the comfort of the seat and the overall width of the seat.

Will DL handout DL 'A350' pins or buttons? I think UA did something like that for the employee only 747 flights last week.

I’m about to get on the red-eye LAX-DTW wo position myself for the inaugural in business! Will be in 3D

I see a lot of folks here are already booked on that flight. Pay attention to their seat numbers so that you can finally meet in person

Celebration area next to gate A40 with gifts and champagne.......nice looking bird

zrs70 wrote:

[
I’m about to get on the red-eye LAX-DTW wo position myself for the inaugural in business! Will be in 3D

Did you make it? How excited are you at this time, one hour away from departure.

Does anyone have any pics to post yet?

Packed gate...getting ready to board...

727200 wrote:

As for what is historic? Except for the DL BB's, no one cares. Its not like this is the launch customer of a new plane.

The first revenue flight of an aircraft by a US carrier is a historic event, despite what the naysayers might contend. This is also ignoring the fact that this marks the introduction of the Delta One suites and Premium Select, two products that previously weren't on offer by any US carrier. I'm not sure what "DL BBs" are, but a lot of people care about the introduction of A350 service in the US.

KGRB wrote:

a lot of people care about the introduction of A350 service in the US.

Introduction?

QR flies from DFW/MIA/JFK/PHL to DOH
CX flies from EWR and SFO to HKG
SQ flies from SFO/IAH(via MAN) to SIN
LH flies from BOS to MUC
OZ flies from SFO to ICN
JJ flies from JFK to GRU
CI flies from HNL/SFO to TPE

In any event, congrats to DL on their inaugural flight, it's a great addition the fleet and a very nice aircraft to fly on.

So, I’m sitting here in 3-D. It really is a beautiful plane. Lots of media, lots of hype.

But the cabin is tight. Aisles are narrow, and there is no sense of spaciousness. If a closet or lav for is open, there is no easy place to maneuver v

On the plane...ready to close the door.....packed.......52A and comfortable

Let's just hope it doesn't perform an auto rejected takeoff - although that could be interesting too!

Safe travels to all on board and enjoy the flight.

A live deom onboard from TPG if you were wondering how the door closes.
https://twitter.com/thepointsguy/status ... 0036665344

In the air now:
https://www.flightradar24.com/DAL275/f60b6fe

KGRB wrote:

I'm not sure what "DL BBs" are, but a lot of people care about the introduction of A350 service in the US.

I had to look that up too and found my answer on Urban Dictionary. Turns out he must spend a lot of time on pornographic webcam sites...

A very exciting day for Delta Air Lines. Imagine the fuel savings versus the 744. Onward and upward.

bgm wrote:

KGRB wrote:

a lot of people care about the introduction of A350 service in the US.

Introduction?

QR flies from DFW/MIA/JFK/PHL to DOH
CX flies from EWR and SFO to HKG
SQ flies from SFO/IAH(via MAN) to SIN
LH flies from BOS to MUC
OZ flies from SFO to ICN
JJ flies from JFK to GRU
CI flies from HNL/SFO to TPE

In any event, congrats to DL on their inaugural flight, it's a great addition the fleet and a very nice aircraft to fly on.

I think it was pretty clear by the first line in my post that I was referring to the introduction of A350 service by a US carrier.

I love that people get excited about this. Anytime you get a new plane it is exciting especially when the A350/ 787 aircraft that we take delivery of today will likely be flying after many of us are retired. They drive hundreds of millions in revenue over their life and they will do it more efficiently than what they replace.....job security and corporate financial health are not possible without these new machines and we should be excited about their introduction. CONGRATS TO DL ON THEIR NEW BIRD!

nutsaboutplanes wrote:

I love that people get excited about this. !

we are after all, at least most of us are, av-geeks. DL's fleet encompasses just about everything to please the average av-geek; from narrow-bodies to wide-bodies, from Boeing to Airbus. While its sad to see the 747 leave the fleet, the 350 is a very nice replacement.