Delta Launches ‘Economy Comfort’ Product

US carrier Delta Air Lines has confirmed that it will introduce a Premium Economy product on all of its long-haul international flights from this summer. The ‘Economy Comfort’ product will feature upgraded seating which will offer passengers up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 per cent more recline than Delta's standard international Economy class seats. As is common with almost all over airlines, the cabin will be located at the front of the Economy section and will be available to all existing customers for a surcharge of $80 to $160 per one-way segment. The product will be installed on its Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A330 fleets over the coming months and brings its international offering in line with that of its Transatlantic SkyTeam partners Air France and KLM.

"Just as Delta is investing in ‘BusinessElite’, which is among the industry's most competitive premium products, it makes sense to offer enhancements to our Economy Class service that provide additional comfort," said Glen Hauenstein, Delta's executive vice president – Network Planning, Revenue Management and Marketing. "Economy Comfort is one of many elements Delta is committed to delivering to our customers as part of a more than $2 billion investment we are making in the air and on the ground to improve the customer experience and position Delta as a leader in customer service."

In addition to more leg room and recline, customers seated in ‘Economy Comfort’ will board early and enjoy complimentary spirits throughout the flight. These benefits are in addition to Delta's standard international Economy class amenities, including complimentary meals, beer, wine, entertainment, blankets and pillows.

As part of its investment in its premium cabins, Delta has confirmed that it will also install 34 horizontal flat-bed BusinessElite seats in each of its 32 Airbus A330 aircraft by 2013. The seating, which offers all customers direct access to the aisle, will be available on all its widebodied models providing a standardised service across its network.

Delta will use the ‘Economy Comfort’ option as a way to boost yields on its international routes as customers upgrade from it Economy offering. However, there is a significant difference in Comfort between the new Premium Economy cabin and its ‘Business Elite’, so it is unlikely that any price-conscious business travellers will downgrade to the cheaper product.