Delta to Open New A220 Base

Move supports expected growth of A220 flying at the carrier’s Midwest hub.

A Delta A220
A Delta A220 at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
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Key Takeaways:

  • Delta will open a new pilot base for its Airbus A220 fleet in Minneapolis/St. Paul next spring.
  • The new base aims to support the growing presence of A220 operations in the MSP hub, enabling Delta to staff flights with locally based pilots.
  • Delta plans to operate up to 51 daily A220 flights to/from Minneapolis by early 2026.
  • Minneapolis will be Delta's fourth A220 pilot base, joining existing bases in Salt Lake City, New York, and Seattle.
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Delta will open a new pilot base for its Airbus A220 fleet in Minneapolis/St. Paul next spring, the airline confirmed to AirlineGeeks this week. 

The move will position A220 flight crews locally as the aircraft’s presence in the hub expands, a spokesperson said.

“To support the continued growth of A220 flying in Minneapolis, Delta has decided to dedicate some A220 pilots to the hub starting next spring,” the spokesperson added.

The airline said it is too early to detail any additional destinations or frequencies that the A220 will operate from Minneapolis. However, the new base will allow Delta to staff its A220 flights with locally based pilots rather than drawing exclusively from other hubs.

According to Cirium Diio schedule data, the carrier plans to operate up to 51 daily A220 flights to/from Minneapolis in early 2026. The new base is slated to open in the spring.

Delta currently bases A220 crews in Salt Lake City, New York, and Seattle. As the airline continues to grow its A220 fleet over the next several years, it expects to expand the aircraft’s pilot group across all of its bases, including the new Minneapolis operation, it said.

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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