Delta Connection adding first-class service to 50 markets

Delta Air Lines announced last week that it would add first-class service to Delta Connection flights of at least 750 miles, which is approximately a two and one-half hour flight. By going to a two-class service on additional regional jets, upgraded service will be offered in 50 existing Delta markets that currently receive just one-class service. Meals with linen service will be available on all regional flights with the new first-class cabin.

By the time the conversion of the Embraer and Bombardier regional jets is complete, 219 Delta Connection aircraft will offer the upgraded class which the airline is obviously hoping will attract more business travelers. Airlines are reporting an increase in business travelers the last few months and are projecting further improvement in this market segment.

Some Delta Connection aircraft have been in the two-class configuration dating back before the merger with Northwest Airlines. Northwest Airlink partners Mesaba Airlines and Compass Airlines both fly larger regional jets with a 1x2 first-class set-up including leather seats and adjustment headrests. From the Twin Cities these aircraft are often seen flying to cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, Louisville, Chicago-Midway, Kansas City, Dallas/Fort Worth and Omaha. The two-class aircraft such as the Embraer 175 and Canadair (Bombardier) CRJ -700 and -900 series are far more comfortable than the smaller Canadair 100 and -200 aircraft which seat just 50 passengers in a one-class configuration. The larger regional jets typically seat 76 passengers.

Additional Delta Connection regional jet partners who could receive the two-class configuration include Pinnacle Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Comair.