Delta is updating the interiors of some of its Boeing 737s, which is long overdue…
Delta Boeing 737s get new cabin interiors
When it comes to modernizing its narrow body fleet, Delta’s focus lately has been on taking delivery of Airbus A321neos, featuring new cabins, including an all-new first class product. Aside from Boeing 717s (which are primarily used for short haul flights), Delta’s most outdated narrow body aircraft are the Boeing 737-800s.
Delta has 77 Boeing 737-800s, and while they have personal televisions at every seat, the cabins feel way past their prime, with entertainment screens that will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time by at least a decade.
Fortunately there’s a positive update. Delta has started the process of retrofitting its Boeing 737-800s with new cabins. The new interiors match what you’ll find on Airbus A321neos, meaning they have Delta’s innovative new first class seats, and greatly improved entertainment screens.
The first aircraft with these interiors has the registration code N3744F. The 22-year-old jet was in Kansas City (MCI) getting work done all the way from September 21, 2023, until January 20, 2024. The plane is now preparing to enter service. The pictures of the new seats look great. However, I find it disappointing that Delta chose to keep the same outdated overhead bins and other cabin finishes.
All Delta 737-800s will have new interiors by late 2025
Reports suggest that Delta plans to retrofit its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet with these new cabins by late 2025, so the airline will complete this project in just under two years. So that means an average of one aircraft will be reconfigured per week, give or take.
As you can tell, the first aircraft took several months to undergo a retrofit. It’s totally normal for the first plane to take a bit longer, since processes have to be figured out. However, reconfiguring these planes is much faster once work gets underway.
This will represent a huge improvement to the passenger experience for many Delta passengers. While I of course appreciate that Delta offers seat back entertainment throughout most of its fleet, many of Delta’s aircraft are looking a bit tired, so passengers will no doubt notice the difference here.
Delta is the second airline to recently announce plans to update its Boeing 737-800 cabins, as Alaska Airlines is doing the same.
Bottom line
Delta is retrofitting its Boeing 737-800s with new interiors, matching the experience you’ll find on the carrier’s new Airbus A321neos. This includes the carrier’s new first class seats, as well as new seats in main cabin, with a new entertainment system throughout. Kudos to Delta for this, and I’m looking forward to these new interiors being the norm rather than the exception.
What do you make of Delta’s 737-800 updates?
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