By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Oct. 4, 2024, GNA – Delta Air Lines, a leading international flight service provider, has introduced a new airplane, Airbus 330-900 Neo, on its daily nonstop Accra to JFK- New York flight route, effective Wednesday, October 2.
The new aircraft, with a 281 seating capacity, would provide additional comfort for passengers traveling from Accra to the United States.
Airbus 330-900 Neo was welcomed with a “water cannon” salute when it touched down at the Kotoka International Airport early this week.
Interacting with reporters on Wednesday in Accra, Mr Ralph Albus, Director of Global Communications at Delta Airlines, said the latest airplane was introduced following customer feedback and surveys.
Aside from the increased number of seats, he explained that the upgraded airplane “elevates comfort” for customers with four distinct cabin experiences.
“The next-generation aircraft increases Delta’s seat capacity by approximately 30% between Ghana and the United States, while elevating the customer experience with enhanced comfort”.
At the launch event in Accra, Mr Albus, said: “Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, offering the latest in premium travel. The accelerated deployment of this new aircraft reflects the strong demand for our product, and we’re excited to offer passengers a premium onboard experience across the Atlantic with Delta’s renowned service.”
“Delta’s brand-new Airbus A330-900neo will contribute approximately 1,000 additional seats each week between Ghana and the United States, while offering travellers a choice of four distinctive cabin experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Additionally, the aircraft boasts increased cargo capacity to meet rising demand.”
Delta One Suites feature fully lie-flat seats, luxury bedding, and privacy doors, paired with chef-curated meals and premium beverages.
Delta Premium Select offers enhanced comfort with wider seats and additional legroom, while Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin provide spacious seating, memory-foam cushions, and personalised entertainment with more than 1,000 hours of content.
Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy state-of-the-art features including ambient lighting for a restful flight and access to Wi-Fi for purchase.
Success in Ghana, Mr Albus said, and expressed gratitude to Delta’s valued customers, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the government of Ghana.
“Delta’s launch of the Airbus A330-900neo deepens the connection between Ghana and the United States, delivering additional capacity and world-class service.”
Expressing confidence in the prospects on the Ghanaian market, Mr Albus noted that Delta Airlines would continue to provide quality service, and expand international operations, while ensuring safety.
“Safety for Delta is our number one priority. This [Airbus 330-900 Neo] is an aircraft we have ordered ten years ago; we have 31 of them in our fleet,” he stated.
“We have very experienced pilots, and this is a very tested product of Airbus, one of the two leading aircraft manufacturers, and we have our own safety culture at Delta so I am very confident about the safety of the [airplane] he noted.
Assuring customers value for money, the Director added that Delta Air Lines would be reaching a milestone of serving 200 million customers this year.
Ms Eloina Baddoo, General Manager, Delta Air Lines, expressed optimism about demand for the new flight, indicating that it would not affect existing prices.
As part of the commitments to making flight experiences memorable and enjoyable for travellers, Delta Airline, in August this year, started rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi on selected long-haul international flight routes.
The service, provided by T-Mobile, is rated as “a major milestone in the airline’s journey to bring reliable, streaming quality connectivity to its entire global fleet for free.”
Most transatlantic flights, according to the company, were expected to be in service with free Wi-Fi by the end of the summer.
Delta Airlines, early this year, also collaborated with Italian luxury fashion brand, Missoni, which currently provides amenity kits on the Delta One flight and “deliver customised elements” to the new Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York, United States.
GNA