Delta Air Lines Reveals Its Next-Generation Airbus A350 Cabin Redesign: A Step Into the Future of Premium Travel

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Delta Air Lines today unveiled in advance of passenger service a groundbreaking new cabin design for the Airbus A350-900 High-J configuration, marking the airline’s first major end-to-end aircraft interior color and materials overhaul in over 20 years. Showcased at Delta’s Atlanta headquarters, the redesign demonstrates the airline’s commitment to elevating passenger comfort, creating more personalized premium experiences, and incorporating thoughtful design enhancements for its flight attendants.

© 2025 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

“This aircraft interior represents a significant evolution for Delta,” Delta Air Lines Managing Director Onboard Strategy & Experience Ekrem Dimbiloglu said during the event earlier today. “As we approach our centennial on March 22, it’s fitting that we unveil a cabin that reflects our next 100 years, blending modern elegance with practical innovations designed for our customers and crew.”

A Cabin Redesign Four Years in the Making

The unveiling introduced journalists to Delta’s first redesigned Airbus A350, a project four years in development. Over 30 suppliers contributed to this effort, which incorporated customer feedback, rigorous testing, and employee input through Delta’s Employee Involvement Group (EIG).

The overhaul departs from Delta’s iconic blue-heavy interiors, transitioning to a more premium and elegant color palette. “We wanted to move beyond the enchanted blue and gray interiors that have been our standard for decades,” Dimbiloglu explained. “This redesign incorporates richer charcoals, darker blues, and intentional uses of Delta’s signature red to bring elegance and warmth to the cabin.”

Among the many changes, the cabin now features Delta Premium Select (DPS) with darker fabrics and memory foam cushions throughout every seat on the aircraft. “We want every passenger, from Delta One to Main Cabin, to feel at home the moment they step onboard,” Dimbiloglu stated.

“We believe the small details make a great experience. From colors to textures, we’ve put thought into every inch of this plane.”
— Delta Air Lines Managing Director Onboard Strategy & Experience Ekrem Dimbiloglu

Delta Air Lines Managing Director Onboard Strategy & Experience Ekrem Dimbiloglu highlights the redesigned galley of the Airbus A350, crafted with significant input from flight attendants to streamline onboard service. The enhanced galley layout optimizes workflow efficiency, provides improved storage solutions, and offers more intuitive access to catering supplies, ensuring smoother operations and better service delivery. This innovation reflects Delta’s commitment to creating a seamless experience for both crew members and passengers, aligned with the best practices of IFSA (International Flight Services Association); (APEX Staff photo). 

Enhanced Comfort Across All Cabins

Delta’s new Airbus A350 features a cabin segmentation that caters to growing demand for premium seating. The High-J configuration adds an extra Delta One section, with 32 Delta Premium Select seats, Comfort Plus seating, and a smaller Main Cabin configuration.

© 2025 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a strong shift toward premium products,” Dimbiloglu explained. “Delta One and Delta Premium Select are especially popular among customers seeking more space and comfort for long-haul flights.”

Delta Premium Select stands out with new features, including dual pockets for personal devices, ensuring convenience and accessibility during flights. Adjustable headrests and deep reclining seats provide enhanced comfort for journeys up to 14 hours. “Customer feedback has been integral to every decision,” Delta Air Lines Manager Onboard Brand Experience Customer Experience Design Michael Steinfeld said.

Delta Air Lines Manager Onboard Brand Experience Customer Experience Design Michael Steinfeld discusses the enhanced features of the airline’s Premium Select cabin during an exclusive press tour of Delta’s newest Airbus A350. The Premium Select cabin boasts wider seats with deeper recline, adjustable leg and footrests, memory-foam cushions, and updated upholstery featuring sustainable materials. Passengers also enjoy upgraded amenity kits, noise-canceling headsets, and larger in-flight entertainment screens for a more luxurious travel experience (APEX Staff photo). 

Steinfeld also emphasized the memory foam cushions present in every seat on the aircraft. “Our team tested these seats for hours at a time, mirroring long-haul flights to ensure maximum comfort.”

Innovations in Technology

Another highlight of the redesign includes significant upgrades in passenger technology. USB-C ports capable of 60-watt power delivery, 110-volt outlets, and wireless charging stations are now standard across all cabins. Delta’s attention to accessibility has also been enhanced with an industry-first grayscale accessible flight map for low-vision customers.

“We’re leading the industry with innovations like the accessible map,” Steinfeld noted. “It’s not only beneficial for individuals with low vision but also resonates with customers who prefer less screen brightness during night flights.”

Dimbiloglu highlighted the incorporation of Bluetooth-enabled inflight entertainment on future Delta Sync systems. While the current A350 design does not yet include these features, they represent Delta’s commitment to ongoing technological advancement.

“Lighting, technology, and cabin design all work together to deliver a cohesive experience, ensuring passengers can relax and enjoy their journey.”
— Delta Air Lines Manager Onboard Brand Experience Customer Experience Design Michael Steinfeld

Thoughtful Enhancements for Crew Members

Delta’s redesign also prioritizes its employees, especially flight attendants, whose roles are essential to delivering exceptional service. Updates include memory foam mattresses in crew rest areas, additional jump seats for convenience during turbulence, and new cross-aisle configurations to improve crew mobility.

“Delta’s flight attendants are the heart of our onboard experience,” Dimbiloglu emphasized. “This redesign ensures they have the tools and comfort they need to excel.”

A unique detail includes small tags featuring Delta’s iconic wings on the flight attendants’ jump seats, symbolizing their importance to the airline. “These thoughtful touches reflect our pride in our people and the vital role they play in Delta’s success,” Dimbiloglu said.

Lighting: More Than Just Atmosphere

The redesigned lighting system emerged as one of the most discussed features of the unveiling. With full-spectrum mood lighting, Delta’s design team aimed to create an environment that transitions seamlessly through the phases of flight.

© 2025 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

“We’ve introduced warm ambers for meal service, calming blues for cruising, and soft peach hues for nighttime rest,” Steinfeld explained. “These choices are deliberate, setting the tone for relaxation and helping customers adjust to jet lag on long-haul flights.”

Delta also partnered with Spotify to curate monthly boarding music playlists, adding another layer to the airline’s focus on creating a relaxing and welcoming environment.

A Vision for Delta’s Next 100 Years

As Delta approaches its 100th anniversary, the A350 cabin redesign symbolizes the airline’s forward-thinking ethos. The High-J Airbus A350 will primarily serve routes to Asia and South Africa, where demand for premium cabins remains strong.

“This is more than just an updated interior,” Dimbiloglu concluded. “It’s a statement of where Delta is heading for the next century. Whether you’re flying in Delta One or Main Cabin, we want every customer to feel at home, and this design sets the standard.”

The first High-J A350 with the new cabin design will enter service on February 1, 2025, beginning its journey toward redefining long-haul travel.