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Delta Debuts First of 155 A321Neo Aircraft on Boston to San Francisco Flight. Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Greet Passengers Prior to Departure.

Delta Flight 1202 is Readied for its Departure to San Francisco

Story By: Edward Kerns II

Photos By: Edward Kerns II

Boston, MA–

With summer travel plans approaching as fast as warmer temperatures, airlines are adding new equipment, more routes and airlines like Delta continue to stay ahead of the travel push with new aircraft on the most demanded routes.

Today at Boston’s Logan International Airport, Delta rolled out the red carpet for passengers traveling on Flight 1202 from Boston to San Francisco.  One might ask, why did passengers receive red carpet treatment? Today, marked the Inaugural Flight for Delta Air Lines newest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo (New Engine Option).  Passengers were able to sign an inaugural banner for the flight and enjoy water and snacks prior to departure.  The event also featured appearances from Pratik Patel (Director of Airport Operations – Boston) and Ravi Dadhick (Managing Director of Northeast, Mid-Atlantic Airport Operations) who gave opening remarks as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Passengers received an Inaugural Pin, Luggage Tag and Pen.  Those traveling in the First Class Cabin received an etched cube with the inaugural flight information.

The aircraft has 194 seats with 20 in First Class, 42 Delta Comfort and 132 in Main Cabin.  First Class cabin features Delta’s newest recliner seats with privacy dividers. Within the next year or two, Delta will introduce 16 lie-flat beds in a 1×1 configuration as well as Delta Premium Select on the A321neo transcon aircraft.  Delta has been listening to customer feedback and the Inflight Entertainment (IFE) systems can now be paired with your Bluetooth headphones.  The location of the outlets and USB’s have also been changed with no more reaching down to plug and unplug your devices!  One of the better improvements is the faster Wi-Fi service offered through Viasat.

Delta chose Pratt & Whitney’s PG1100G turbofan engines for the 155 A321neo aircraft that are on order with Airbus.  The P&W engines have a 12 percent greater fuel efficiency than the A321ceo (Current Engine Option).  Cruising speed is 525mph (845k/h) and has a range of 3,370 miles (5,423 km).   Noise on board from the engines was extremely minimal.  To start, Delta will be introducing the aircraft into the Boston market and later focusing on the Caribbean market.  Eventually, you’ll be able to find the aircraft at one of Delta’s domestic hubs.

Delta’s Inaugural Flight Crew Poses Next to the A321neo

All of the passengers had a special meet and greet of their own today prior to departure from Gate A19 in Boston by a Media Flight Crew (Alexandra, Jade, Lauren) as well as Gate Agents (Dianna, Rebecca and Cynthia).  Flight Crew today was Captain Art Smith, First Office Demitri Smirenski, Lead Flight Attendant Jacob Easter, Flight Attendants: Michele Chirchirillo, Kelly Fleming, and Joshua Delao had bright smiles and they made sure all passengers were taken care of and enjoyed their flight. Mood lighting added to the festive atmosphere as well as arriving early into San Francisco at Gate C5. 

Check out the link below for more of Edward’s photos from the Inaugural Flight. We look forward to bringing our readers Delta’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the renovated La Guardia Terminal in June.

Flickr Photos:

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