https://news.delta.com/delta-bring-more-options-choice-and-comfort-seattle-trans-pacific-flying-summer

If I’m interpreting this article correctly, A330neo service in Seattle will begin:

“Shanghai effective July 1
Seoul-Incheon effective Aug. 1
Tokyo-Narita effective Aug. 31”

Additionally:

“On March 1, Delta will begin operating its Seattle-Tokyo-Narita route with Airbus A350 aircraft, featuring Delta One Suite and Delta Premium Select options.”

“Delta will also begin operating two of its six daily flights between Seattle and San Jose, California with its new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

The article is vague on the A220... anyone know when it will start operating out of SEA?

CRJ200flyer wrote:

“Delta will also begin operating two of its six daily flights between Seattle and San Jose, California with its new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

The article is vague on the A220... anyone know when it will start operating out of SEA?

June 8th

cvgComair wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

“Delta will also begin operating two of its six daily flights between Seattle and San Jose, California with its new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

The article is vague on the A220... anyone know when it will start operating out of SEA?

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

No that’s been the general plan all along to start deploying A220s out west once there was enough in the fleet.

They will likely bridge the fleet through XXX-SLC-DFW-LGA/DTW/MSP.

They have a similar bridge today for 717 flying between west and east.

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

The article is very confusingly written, but I read the same. Just went out to Delta to try booking the flight, and you’re right, it’s A350s. Even searching SEA-PVG in the middle of July, it’s still 767s. So perhaps they haven’t loaded the aircraft yet?

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

Could this be a placeholder for the Haneda route pending review? The proposal with the DOT specifies an A339.

luckyone wrote:

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

Could this be a placeholder for the Haneda route pending review? The proposal with the DOT specifies an A339.

New slots for HND will not start until March 2020.

cvgComair wrote:

luckyone wrote:

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

Could this be a placeholder for the Haneda route pending review? The proposal with the DOT specifies an A339.

New slots for HND will not start until March 2020.

Ah! Thanks!

So, the first two A330-900neo routes will be SEA-PVG on July 1, and SEA-ICN on August 1?

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

“Delta will also begin operating two of its six daily flights between Seattle and San Jose, California with its new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

The article is vague on the A220... anyone know when it will start operating out of SEA?

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 will fly SLC-SJC-SEA.

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

“Delta will also begin operating two of its six daily flights between Seattle and San Jose, California with its new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

The article is vague on the A220... anyone know when it will start operating out of SEA?

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 routes as of June:
SEA-SJC x2
SLC-SJC x3
SLC-IAH x3
SLC-DFW x5
MSP-IAH x1
MSP-DFW x2
MSP-EWR x1
DTW-DFW x5
DTW-EWR x2
LGA-IAH x5
LGA-DFW x6
LGA-BOS x1

CRJ200flyer wrote:

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

The article is very confusingly written, but I read the same. Just went out to Delta to try booking the flight, and you’re right, it’s A350s. Even searching SEA-PVG in the middle of July, it’s still 767s. So perhaps they haven’t loaded the aircraft yet?

Yep, the 339 routes aren't loaded yet. Maybe during this weekend's schedule load?

Sounds like SEA-NRT will be on the 359 from March through August, and then will move to the 339. Meanwhile, SEA-PVG will flip from 763 to 339 on 7/1 (that will require 2 339 frames to be in service) and then SEA-ICN will flip from 763 to 339 on 8/1 (which will require one additional frame). All in all, these routes should account for all 4 339s DL's getting this year.

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 routes as of June:
SEA-SJC x2
SLC-SJC x3
SLC-IAH x3
SLC-DFW x5
MSP-IAH x1
MSP-DFW x2
MSP-EWR x1
DTW-DFW x5
DTW-EWR x2
LGA-IAH x5
LGA-DFW x6
LGA-BOS x1

Thank you. Please remind me of A220 bases expected in June.
I've forgotten. Is DL LGA/JFK based or LGA/JFK/EWR for crew?

Lightsaber

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

bfitzflyer wrote:

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in, but the article has SEA - NRT with an A350 started March 1st. Then it switches to an A330NEO on Aug 31st if I am reading this right. I just checked my reservation for October and still shows the A350 from NRT to SEA .

The article is very confusingly written, but I read the same. Just went out to Delta to try booking the flight, and you’re right, it’s A350s. Even searching SEA-PVG in the middle of July, it’s still 767s. So perhaps they haven’t loaded the aircraft yet?

Yep, the 339 routes aren't loaded yet. Maybe during this weekend's schedule load?

Sounds like SEA-NRT will be on the 359 from March through August, and then will move to the 339. Meanwhile, SEA-PVG will flip from 763 to 339 on 7/1 (that will require 2 339 frames to be in service) and then SEA-ICN will flip from 763 to 339 on 8/1 (which will require one additional frame). All in all, these routes should account for all 4 339s DL's getting this year.

So, with 4 frames being delivered in 2020, could we see TATL service on the A339 next year?

NateGreat wrote:

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

The article is very confusingly written, but I read the same. Just went out to Delta to try booking the flight, and you’re right, it’s A350s. Even searching SEA-PVG in the middle of July, it’s still 767s. So perhaps they haven’t loaded the aircraft yet?

Yep, the 339 routes aren't loaded yet. Maybe during this weekend's schedule load?

Sounds like SEA-NRT will be on the 359 from March through August, and then will move to the 339. Meanwhile, SEA-PVG will flip from 763 to 339 on 7/1 (that will require 2 339 frames to be in service) and then SEA-ICN will flip from 763 to 339 on 8/1 (which will require one additional frame). All in all, these routes should account for all 4 339s DL's getting this year.

So, with 4 frames being delivered in 2020, could we see TATL service on the A339 next year?

I certainly wouldn't rule it out.

I wonder when SEA-PEK will get switched to a different aircraft.

Re: A339 having lower CASM than B763, not surprising... the difference is SFC.

These are pretty significant capacity increases for PVG and ICN. From 211-226 to 281 seats. DL clearly believes the demand is there for SEA. The naysayers are noticeably absent (although I will say I suspect an important aspect of this decision is product-driven as opposed to capacity-driven).

georgiabill wrote:

Has DL anymore A330'S CEO on order? If so are any due for delivery this year?

Negative, the new A330ceos are all delivered.

------------------------------

On a separate note, great quick read about Delta's fleet changes.

https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/ ... zon-453772

"The A330-900s are replacing some of the 767-300ERs in Delta’s fleet (as of late Dec-2018, Delta had 56 -300ERs in its fleet, with a median 767 fleet age of 22.7 years). The A330s have 50% more premium seats than the older widebodies and the airline has calculated that the aircraft have a 22% better fuel burn per seat."

lightsaber wrote:

Thank you. Please remind me of A220 bases expected in June.
I've forgotten. Is DL LGA/JFK based or LGA/JFK/EWR for crew?

Lightsaber

There are 2 pilot bases: NYC (co-domiclies of JFK/LGA/EWR) and SLC.

In a few weeks, there will be a pilot bid to cover 12 months of training for the 220. Word is, no new bases within that timeline. Beyond Spring 2020, likely new bases. DTW and SEA most likely candidates for now, but too far out still. ATL seems to consistently get poor vibes that it'd be a base, or even have much service.

IT would be nice to see the DL A220 flights from SEA-ONT.

IT would be nice to see the DL A220 flights from SEA-ONT.

Impressive to see DL placing heavy utilization on NYC area flying to DFW & IAH with the A220s as well as from MSP & DTW. It shows they want to offer a superior product over their competitors in these markets.

Hope we will eventually see the A220-300s fly long, thin transcend where the A321/B738/B739s are too large (LAX-BDL/JAX, etc..)

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 routes as of June:
SEA-SJC x2
SLC-SJC x3
SLC-IAH x3
SLC-DFW x5
MSP-IAH x1
MSP-DFW x2
MSP-EWR x1
DTW-DFW x5
DTW-EWR x2
LGA-IAH x5
LGA-DFW x6
LGA-BOS x1

And JFK-DFW will join the list on 8/31.

Just to clarify, the A339s are replacing 76Ts on SEA-PVG/ICN.
76T configuration is C36W29Y143 = 208 while 339 configuration is C29Y+28W56Y168 = 281
While the total seat count is going up 35%, business class seats are going down 19%.

NateGreat wrote:

So, with 4 frames being delivered in 2020, could we see TATL service on the A339 next year?

Would be very surprising if they didn't start rotating like the 333s used to, something like SEA-NRT-SEA-AMS-ATL-AMS-SEA-PEK-SEA.

Not surprising. The SEA TPAC routes are among the longest 767 routes in the DL system. The A339 will help significantly on cost. Also the KE JV can use the increased capacity to ICN.

Nice! Cool to see the new A339 being inaugurated out of SEA. I wouldn't be surprised to see it eventually take over either SEA-AMS or CDG to bridge it with an East Coast hub.

I noticed ICT had gotten an A220 tow bar when passing through this week.

Not that they are scheduled anytime soon as all they get today is CR2 from MSP & MD-88s from ATL, but they a natural diversion point for a lot of places.

Will DL place the 339NEO on a bunch of domestic turns when they are first delivered for crew familiarity and training?

The 767 routes it will jump on (ICN/PVG), will that effectively retire 3 767s or if not, what are the plans for the 76's that will no longer fly ICN/PVG?

jumbojet wrote:

Will DL place the 339NEO on a bunch of domestic turns when they are first delivered for crew familiarity and training?

The 767 routes it will jump on (ICN/PVG), will that effectively retire 3 767s or if not, what are the plans for the 76's that will no longer fly ICN/PVG?

Not likely as they didn't do that with the A350 in 2017.

In the immediate short-term not necessarily they are actually a bit "short" on widebodies for Summer 2019 but eventually yes that will lead to the inevitable drawn-down of the 767 fleet.

So what will happen with those 767s that are being replaced.

jumbojet wrote:

The 767 routes it will jump on (ICN/PVG), will that effectively retire 3 767s or if not, what are the plans for the 76's that will no longer fly ICN/PVG?

You're looking at 5-6 763ER retirement prior to S20. Retirements are most likely to begin in the Fall but could happen earlier as those frames are due imminently for heavy maintenance visits.

klm617 wrote:

So what will happen with those 767s that are being replaced.

Spares will come handy during the S19 schedule as the fleet is stretched. Retirements to follow.

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

jumbojet wrote:

The 767 routes it will jump on (ICN/PVG), will that effectively retire 3 767s or if not, what are the plans for the 76's that will no longer fly ICN/PVG?

You're looking at 5-6 763ER retirement prior to S20. Retirements are most likely to begin in the Fall but could happen earlier as those frames are due imminently for heavy maintenance visits.

There are a bunch of 1991/92/93 builds that are still flying international. Those look to be the oldest DL 767's out there. I would imagine those will be the first to go although I know that those major D checks can play some role in when planes ultimately get retired.

jumbojet wrote:

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

jumbojet wrote:

The 767 routes it will jump on (ICN/PVG), will that effectively retire 3 767s or if not, what are the plans for the 76's that will no longer fly ICN/PVG?

You're looking at 5-6 763ER retirement prior to S20. Retirements are most likely to begin in the Fall but could happen earlier as those frames are due imminently for heavy maintenance visits.

There are a bunch of 1991/92/93 builds that are still flying international. Those look to be the oldest DL 767's out there. I would imagine those will be the first to go although I know that those major D checks can play some role in when planes ultimately get retired.

The first batch to go are the 1990 built 76Ls (171-175). They are due heavy checks imminently.

Well shoot!!! Guess my first A220 ride will have to be to SJC. I really have no reason to go to SJC, but... I would be all over it if they fly one to LAS though!!!

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

The first batch to go are the 1990 built 76Ls (171-175). They are due heavy checks imminently.

Will be interesting to see their hours at retirement. I believe all four are already over 130,000.

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 routes as of June:
SEA-SJC x2
SLC-SJC x3
SLC-IAH x3
SLC-DFW x5
MSP-IAH x1
MSP-DFW x2
MSP-EWR x1
DTW-DFW x5
DTW-EWR x2
LGA-IAH x5
LGA-DFW x6
LGA-BOS x1

Very interesting move by DL. They are going after AA and UA hubs...IAH, DFW, EWR. From a marketing standpoint, it will be interesting to see if they can get customers from these hubs to give DL a try.

They are markets that are very one-sided in point-of-sale and tend to also be very DL-elite heavy (since the elite-heavy on the other side tend to fly the hub dominant carrier). UA elites are going to fly UA on MSP-IAH versus DL elites are going to fly MSP-IAH on DL.

They are also some of the longer 2-class 76 seat RJ routes.

F9Animal wrote:

Well shoot!!! Guess my first A220 ride will have to be to SJC. I really have no reason to go to SJC, but... I would be all over it if they fly one to LAS though!!!

If it's any consolation, I'm flying from DFW to SEA on DL via SLC and via DTW. Both my DFW-SLC and DTW-DFW legs are on the A220 (got a 738 SLC-SEA and a 739 - switched out from a 752 - on SEA-DTW). But, at least I'm going to get a chance to see for myself of the A220 is the real deal or not.

seabosdca wrote:

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

The first batch to go are the 1990 built 76Ls (171-175). They are due heavy checks imminently.

Will be interesting to see their hours at retirement. I believe all four are already over 130,000.

Life of these birds may not stop at DL retirement. ATSG is swimming around them for cargo conversion.

Justapax wrote:

Very interesting move by DL. They are going after AA and UA hubs...IAH, DFW, EWR. From a marketing standpoint, it will be interesting to see if they can get customers from these hubs to give DL a try.

I highly doubt they think they are going to poach DFW or IAH customers from AA or UA. The goal is to poach passengers in the NYC area from those carriers with a stronger porfolio and better service. Same holds on SEA-SJC, where the goal is bringing an even better experience for SEA-based passengers. They want to strengthen their hubs in competitive markets, and I think that DL thinks the A220 will contribute to revenue premiums.

I think where you will see the dtw pilot bass come is when the 220-300s start arriving. Routes like dtw-mty come to mind

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

Life of these birds may not stop at DL retirement. ATSG is swimming around them for cargo conversion.

Isn't the LOV 150,000 hours? A conversion for ~15,000 hours of use—probably five to seven years even at lower ATSG utilization rates—seems like a losing investment.

DL's A359 arrived SEA tonight at 919P at gate S10 from ATL. It was a normal revenue flight.
Would've been a nice domestic ride! Hope there were some AV geeks onboard!
Tomorrow to NRT.

FSDan wrote:

CRJ200flyer wrote:

cvgComair wrote:

June 8th

Thank you. So is this a change in the original deployment plan? I recall that the A220 was coming to DTW, SLC and MSP next on the Texas routes. How is the aircraft flowing to SEA?

A220 routes as of June:
SEA-SJC x2
SLC-SJC x3
SLC-IAH x3
SLC-DFW x5
MSP-IAH x1
MSP-DFW x2
MSP-EWR x1
DTW-DFW x5
DTW-EWR x2
LGA-IAH x5
LGA-DFW x6
LGA-BOS x1

I wonder why with the A220 being such a technically advanced aircraft in the Delta fleet that it has no flights scheduled into it's flagship hub Atlanta ?

jbs2886 wrote:

These are pretty significant capacity increases for PVG and ICN. From 211-226 to 281 seats. DL clearly believes the demand is there for SEA. The naysayers are noticeably absent (although I will say I suspect an important aspect of this decision is product-driven as opposed to capacity-driven).

Clearly there is demand for more seats from the U.S. to PVG and that demand also includes SEA there is no question about that. But it is also strategic and helps DL's application for MSP-PVG, correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like DL's A359s, A330neo, and 77E/L are relatively close in their overall seat count. On the other hand UA has made no such move on their EWR-PVG route where their is a substantial difference between the seating capacity of their 77W over their 77E. So even though SEA needs the capacity boost I think the additional benefit of this move this strengthens DL's argument for the last tier 1 authority especially if the DOT allows AA to retain both of their now dormant tier 1 slots.