Delta Air Lines updates Airbus A350 cabins as part of fleet-wide redesign

In Delta One, seats will be covered with soft wool-blend materials and refined trim. Premium Select cabins will offer deeper recline, memory-foam cushions, device storage options, and premium finishes. Comfort+ and Main Cabin sections will see updated color palettes, improved cushions, refreshed sidewalls, and lighting designed for greater comfort.

Crew areas are being redesigned for better workflow and comfort. "The unifying thread is a home-like atmosphere that will favor tactile materials, warmer brand colors, and impressive interior design elements," said Delta.

The airline’s approach focuses on three pillars: touch (with breathable textiles), sight (with phase-of-flight mood lighting), and utility (such as enhanced power outlets). Lighting programs are intended to help passengers manage jet lag through circadian cues like warm tones at mealtimes or gentle amber lights in the morning.

Demand for premium economy and business class has increased on long-haul routes to Asia and Southern Africa. Delta aims to expand both its Delta One business class and Premium Select premium economy offerings in response. The move toward more premium seating supports revenue growth by attracting corporate travelers as well as high-yield leisure customers.

Retrofitting relatively young A350 jets addresses inconsistencies caused by integrating former LATAM aircraft with different layouts into the fleet. Standardizing these configurations improves customer experience by removing surprises about seat types or amenities when boarding different aircraft models.

"Retrofitting the airline's fleet solves three different problems at once," Delta stated. These include achieving product coherence across aircraft types; optimizing equipment for specific mission profiles—especially ultra-long-range flights where performance is critical; and supporting operational reliability through lighter structures with fewer seats.

Premium cabins play an increasingly important role in Delta’s financial strategy because they generate more revenue per square foot than main cabin seats. They also support loyalty programs by offering valued upgrade paths for frequent flyers. Matching competitors like United Airlines or American Airlines in terms of premium offerings helps maintain market share on key international routes.

Ultimately, this investment reflects a broader industry trend toward targeting high-spending travelers with upgraded products throughout all cabins but especially at the top end of service classes. As competition intensifies among legacy carriers for these customers, airlines like Delta continue upgrading their fleets in hopes of improving both passenger satisfaction and financial returns over time.