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Delta Air Lines has encountered challenges in replacing its aging Boeing 757 fleet, which currently averages more than 23 years old. The airline initially planned to use a subfleet of 21 Airbus A321neo aircraft for premium transcontinental services, with commercial service expected to begin in 2024. These aircraft were designed to seat up to 148 passengers, including 12 in first class, 16 in business class with lie-flat beds, and 120 in economy class.
However, the new business class seats have not yet received certification for use on the A321neo from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Certification is not expected until 2026. As a result, five of these aircraft are currently in storage, with three at Victorville and two at Toulouse.
Delta Air Lines considered leaving the aircraft in storage while awaiting certification but decided it would not be financially viable. Instead, the airline has temporarily reconfigured the interiors by replacing the lie-flat business class seats with an additional 32 first class seats in a 2-2 configuration, bringing the total to 44 first class seats per aircraft. "Although the onboard experience in a domestic first class seat cannot compare with a fully lie-flat business class bed as was originally intended, this plan at least allows Delta Air Lines to put the aircraft to use."
