U.S. operator to benefit from new-generation aircraft’s fuel efficiency
Mirabel, Québec, Canada, October 6, 2018: Delta Air Lines’ first Airbus A220-100 took off on its first flight from Mirabel airport. The aircraft was crewed by A220program test pilots. During successful 2 hour and 53 minutes flight, the crew checked the aircraft’s main systems and landed back in Mirabel. The flight took place a few days after the aircraft rolled out of the paint shop. Next, the aircraft will continue with pre-delivery testing and assembly, as elements of its state-of-the-art interior come together at the A220 assembly line.
Delta Air Lines will be the first U.S. operator to benefit from the aircraft’s fuel efficiency, when the A220 is scheduled to begin service in early 2019. The new aircraft brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. Delta will be the fourth A220 operator, after Swiss, airBaltic, and Korean Air. With a firm order for 75 aircraft, Delta is already the largest A220-100 customer.
With an order book of over 400 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
Source: Airbus