First Look: Delta Shows Off First Airbus A220

Delta is pulling the sheet off of its newest jet. The Airbus A220, formerly known as the Bombardier C Series, is making its initial U.S. debut with the Atlanta-based carrier. The airline introduced its first A220 after it came out of the paint shop near Bombardier’s plant in Mirabel, Quebec.

The aircraft was painted in nine days. According to the airline, approximately 165 gallons of paint were used. After being fitted with Delta’s livery, the A220 will head to final assembly where finishing touches will be added.

Delta’s first A220 in Bombardier’s paint shop (Photo: Delta)

Larry Cato, a program manager on Delta’s Fleet Management team, said, “There’s nothing like seeing years of planning come together in the shape of a freshly painted aircraft,” Cato said. “It’s a major milestone for the future of our fleet.”

The airline’s first A220 in full livery (Photo: Delta)

The airline plans to use the A220 on routes currently operated by the airline’s regional E175 and CRJ-900 fleets, according to Flightglobal. Plans for the aircraft could include flights from Boston and shuttle routes between Chicago, New York-LGA, and Washington Reagan.

Delta’s A220 will be fitted with a ‘state-of-the-art’ interior, says the airline. The A220 will join Delta’s fleet of next-generation Airbus aircraft as the airline became the first in the U.S. to operate Airbus’ A350-900XWB last year.

Delta’s first A220 being rolled out of the paint shop (Photo: Delta)

Julie Léveillé, an Airbus supervisor in the Mirabel paint shop, noted, “It’s a tremendous feeling of accomplishment to know we just outfitted North America’s first A220 from tail to tip,” Léveillé said. “I’ve been working in the paint shop for 15 years. It can be a challenging job, but seeing the finished product makes it worth it.”

With 75 A220 aircraft on order, Delta plans on taking delivery of the new jet in early 2019.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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