Delta Air Lines maintains use of large jets for transatlantic flights despite industry shift

Despite these developments, Delta remains unconvinced about deploying narrow-body planes on transatlantic flights. Glen Hauenstein, Delta's president, said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call: "I'm really excited about the product we're putting in market." He added: "We've chosen not to fly narrow-bodies in the transatlantic because of product and brand issues. So we're not going to go in that direction."

Hauenstein's comments suggest that Delta believes the passenger experience on long-haul narrow-body aircraft does not align with its brand standards. Concerns include fewer lavatories leading to longer lines, less space for passengers compared to larger jets like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, and reduced galley space for crew members. Additionally, some airlines' long-haul single-aisle flights do not offer lie-flat business-class seats; for example, United's new MAX 8 flights only feature domestic-style first-class recliners rather than true business-class products.

Delta does plan to equip some of its narrow-body Airbus A321neo planes with lie-flat seats in the future but intends to use them primarily for domestic transcontinental or shorter international routes. The airline will continue relying on its larger aircraft—Boeing 767s, Airbus A330s, and A350s—for long-haul service between North America and Europe.