Delta plans $1bn fleet upgrade

Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest airline by revenue, has announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next four years to upgrade its fleet and passenger facilities.

The bulk of the investment would be ploughed into service upgrades for premium customers amounting to $300 million a year to 2013, including add flat beds and entertainment systems throughout its fleet.

However it declined to comment on a future order of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and it said capital spending will drop to $1.1 billion this year from $1.3 billion in 2009.

The investments are focused on upgrading long-haul services from its New York hub and on trans-Pacific routes that rely heavily on premium passengers.

Delta also plans to add first-class cabins to 66 regional jets operated by Delta Connection carriers ASA, Comair and SkyWest. This move will bring to 219 the number of regional aircraft with first-class seating, Delta said.

It is also renovating and expanding the Sky Club lounge in Los Angeles and opening club locations in Seattle, Philadelphia and Indianapolis.

Other projects are installing in-seat entertainment in business and economy on all widebody aircraft; new seat upholstery, updated lighting and increased overhead space on Northwest Airlines planes.