Delta Air Lines` first A220 lands in Mirabel, QuÈbec after completing its maiden flight (CNW Group/Airbus)
Delta Air Lines’ first Airbus A220-100 took off on its first flight from Mirabel Airport, Québec, at 2:02 p.m. local time (below).
The aircraft was crewed by A220 program test pilots. During successful 3-hour flight, the crew checked the aircraft’s main systems and landed back in Mirabel at 4:57 p.m.
The flight took place a few days after the aircraft rolled out of the paint shop. Next, the aircraft will continue with pre-delivery testing and assembly, as elements of its state-of-the-art interior come together at the A220 assembly line. Delta’s first A220 is scheduled to begin service in early 2019.
Delta Air Lines will be the first U.S. airline to operate the A220 – at the same time becoming the fourth A220 operator, after Swiss International Air Lines, airBaltic, and Korean Air. Delta is the largest A220-100 customer, with a firm order for 75 aircraft.
The A220-100 delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency. It brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
With an order book of over 400 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
Delta also issued this statement and photos:
Delta’s A220-100 took to the air for the first time today, successfully completing a three-hour test flight in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, after rolling out of the paint shop earlier this month.
Delta will be the first U.S. airline to take delivery of the A220, formerly known as the “C Series,” which will feature a modern interior with a spacious, widebody feel, and best-in-class fuel performance.
Delta is upgrading its domestic fleet to replace less-efficient aircraft with highly efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft like the A220 as well as new Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A321s, Airbus A350s as well as Airbus A330-900neo and Airbus A321neo.
Next up for Delta’s first A220 is a trip back to the assembly line where it will undergo pre-delivery testing and installation of its state-of-the-art interior. It is schedule to begin service in early 2019.
Stay tuned to Delta News Hub for updates on the A220’s progress.
Photos: Airbus.