It’s pretty easy to tell the interiors of Delta aircraft apart from those of other airlines, given the extent to which Delta has historically used a bright blue as the predominant color in aircraft cabins. This will soon be changing, and the new cabins might just be unrecognizable.
Delta plans new cabin interiors across fleet
Delta is planning on introducing all-new cabin interiors, ahead of the company’s centennial anniversary. What’s going to be most noticeable to Delta passengers is the completely updated colors. Delta is shifting to much darker colors, with dark shades of blue and grey. Then red is heavily used for trim, given that it’s another signature Delta color.
Delta describes the new design as fresh, clean, elegant, and “premium” (who would’ve thought?!). The company explains that the new colors are softer and warmer, with natural materials such as wool and accents of Delta’s original heritage colors throughout.
It’s not just the seats that are being updated, but Delta is also updating its cabin lighting, with a new system that’s “intentionally designed to create a cohesive and calming onboard environment,” and with mood lighting designed to suit every phase of flight.
I can’t help but chuckle at the way that Delta describes some of these updates:
Customers will feel more at home thanks to unique touches throughout the cabin, including thoughtful choices of materials at customer touchpoints as well as Delta widget logos and seat tags that create subtle distinctions between cabins.
Yes, nothing makes me feel at home quite like… Delta widget logos and seat tags? Or there’s this:
New design motifs on bulkheads feature an evolution of the current onboard branding patterns. The Infinite Grid welcomes the customers onboard reminding them that no one better connects the world than Delta. The Celestial Sky pattern leverages elements of our global network while evoking the excitement and wonder of flying.
Here’s how Mauricio Parise, Delta’s VP of Customer Experience Design, describes these updates:
“Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel. As we embark on our next century of flying, this refreshed cabin interior infuses utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations.”
“Every flight is different, so we’ve focused on creating warm, calming and atmospheric lighting options that create an environment for customers to rest and relax, or stay productive as they wish. For boarding, we’ve focused on the ‘moment of deceleration’ – warm and inviting lighting that makes the cabin appear spacious and open. At mealtimes, we queue hues that feel like you’re at a candlelit dinner – making meals more natural and inviting. As the lights dim for sleep, we borrow from the sunset and slowly remove blue light while bringing in warm amber tones which are reminiscent of a sunset glow. When it’s time to wake up, the cabin slowly brightens into morning and daylight.”
“Delta has taken the time to develop every detail of our new interiors; the team was intentional in creating an experience that mimics our customers’ lifestyles and puts them at ease as soon as they board our aircraft. We look forward to sharing our hard work with our customers and welcoming them onboard.”
Below you can see some pictures of the new interiors. Personally I’m conflicted. I actually think these interiors look pretty elegant, though I’d say they’re a lot less distinctive than before. They almost look like a hybrid between Air Canada and Air France, or something.
When will we see Delta’s cabins get updated?
So, when can we expect to see Delta jets with the new interiors flying?
- As of the fall of 2024, the new cabin design will debut on Boeing 757 aircraft
- In early 2025, an Airbus A350 will be the first wide body jet to feature the new cabins
- Additional aircraft will receive the new cabin design as Delta’s schedule and operation allows over the next few years
Delta is committed to having its entire fleet look uniform and updated with this new design, and to create a singular experience across the fleet. However, there are no more specific timeline details beyond that.
Bottom line
Delta is introducing a refreshed cabin concept, whereby the airline will ditch its bright blue, and instead go for darker blue and grey interiors. Delta’s current cabins are unique to the airline, while the new cabins are more generic. I’m sure people will have varying takes on these updates. I’m not sure what to think, exactly… I’ll have to wait until I see the interior in person.
What do you make of Delta’s refreshed cabins?
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