I was at the airport a couple weeks ago and got a snapshot of one of the freshly painted planes (with the winglets!). I really love the style of the new brand!
Like this photo? Download the full-size version.
Jacob Morris
Product Manager
delta.com & self-service
October 15th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
May I speculate that this pic is gonna become a hot topic of conversation. She’s G O R G I O U S. The 757 is such a power-rocket and it’s sleek new livery is truly a global-looking-brand. Great angle shot, Jacob!
October 15th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
She does look great and with the new branding should come new in-flight service for your premium passengers in the front cabin. I know that Delta has planned new catering for first class but it doesn’t include linen! How can Delta expect to compete with UA, AA, CO on transcaon flights in first class, not to mention any flight over 2 hours which the other carriers serve real meals, glassware, silverware and linen. For DL to continue to lay a piece of paper on the tray table with paper napkins and then talk about all the wonderful service just doesn’t make any sense. Please review the linen detail and then once added to the service will complete the experience.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I agree, the new livery looks great, bold new look to coincide with the recovery from bankruptcy, but… I think Delta missed a great opportunity with the new livery. Does everyone remember the last iteration of Pan Am were their stylized script in “Pan Am Blue” was emblazoned fully across both sides of the plane from top to bottom? The new font for “DELTA” is thin, and doesn’t stand out nearly to catch the viewer’s eyes as even the old “Delta”. I view the side of an airplane as a moving advertisement of the airline it represents, much like the side of an 18-wheeler’s trailer for its company (can everyone envision the jumbo-sized Big Macs for McDonald’s?). Wouldn’t it have been great for “DELTA” in those rather thinnish reddish-maroon letters to have gone from the top-to-bottom of the fuselage to really make a statement, both in advertising as well as its emergence from bankruptcy? Since only a few planes currently have the livery, it’s not too late to make such a change… be bold, use the big white canvas to Delta’s advantage!!! Thanks, David
October 16th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Oh wow, that must be one of the ex-TWA 757s just newly done. I wish the 777s were newly painted as I’ll be flying on one from ATL-LAX in a day or two. Too bad I won’t be able to sit up front in BE. I do also have to echo the linen problem. I remember back in the day when linens were used even on a 757 from DFW to ATL… bring back the old days!
October 16th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Oh yes, the new livery really looks great.
David may be right with his comment about the small font used for “DELTA”.
Is it that DL folks preferred understatement rather than a bold and proud message being sent?
October 16th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Is this the new ETOPS 757? I love flying the 757s as they have a great power to weight ratio. I don’t see the satellite “hump” so it appears this bird doesn’t AVOD. Probably too much weight if ETOPS anyways…
October 16th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I *love* the new branding, and agree with David that better use of the white space on the plane could make a more powerful statement.
Also in the vein of the new branding…great job with the remodeling at ATL!!!!!
Here’s a suggestion - can you offer free wireless for Medallion members?
October 16th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Oh, I like the suggestion of free wireless at the major Delta locations (ATL, CVG, and mine, JAN) for Medallion members, especially for those that are Platinum Medallion…
October 16th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
If free wireless cannot be offered (understand that it’s Tmobile anyways), I would like to see a free vouchers based on Medallion level. Example, attaining PM status will give you 10 free vouchers good for one day.
October 16th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Free Wireless in ATL? Go to the International Terminal… seriously
it’s there!
I love the new livery, and just how simple it is. Yes, it could be used to make a “bigger” statement but I like the simplicity. Would be cool to have more “special” aircraft for different programs that Delta supports, such as logo planes for Habitat for Humanity, for example.
And a new paint job is still not going to address what matters to us who travel the most- what’s inside. New upgraded aircraft, with AVOD or at least Digital based cabin entertainment- new seats, new lavatories (no lavatory should have razor compartments anymore since they stopped using them almost a decade ago) and better customer service would help make the New Delta a Great Delta.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Great paint job. Now if only the inside lived up to the outside. I just returned from Manchester (UK) to Atlanta (Business Class), and wanted to share two comments/observations.
1. The new Inflight Entertainment System. Great to have so much choice, and to be able to pause, fast forward, etc. If only it worked… On this flight, as on probably every intercontinental flight I have been on (and thats is A LOT!) since the introduction of this system, it needed to be reset about 15 minutes into the launch after take-off. On this particular flight, this system decided to reset itself probably another 6 times! No kidding! The FA came to see me and apologized and said she thought the system was giving her and her co-workers more grief then joy.
2. Change to the in cabin service routine. What? How do you know? Well, Delta Operations, in all its wisdom, changed the way the FA’s service the cabin, and I know this because the Purser on this same MAN - ATL told me. After we had our hors d’oeuvres, somehow, my fellow passenger in row 5d and me in 5c did not get any service.
After other passengers had finished their starters and started on their main courses we were still sitting pretty in row 5. After asking, the purser told us that this was their mistake, with different FA’s assuming that the other had taken care of our meal service. It was rectified but by that time my preferred starter (soup) was no longer warm, and the main (chicken) pretty much dried out…
Turns out the FA’s now no longer service a designated number of rows but the whole plane. And indeed I noticed that many different FA’s either delivered or removed plates, drinks, etc.
This is a bad idea, especially for your premium passengers. I really liked the personal service, and being addressed by name. That will be impossible with this new service (as I noticed). And this one pursor did not like it either. She suspected it was a pre-cursor for fewer FA’s per flight.
Delta - I am happy you’re healthy again, and love the fact that your international network is growing in all directions. But please re-think this policy and review the inflight entertainment system. I will be on one of your flights again this weekend (Tokyo) - sayonara.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I certainly agree with malbarda with reference to the international service. I also fly more internationally than domestic. My earlier in-flight comment deals with the domestic first class issue.
Delta’s BusinessElite product in my opinion is much better than business class on that of rival carriers offering 2 or 3 class aircraft. However the coordination of duties among the flight attendants as mentioned by malbarda above is absolutely true. The new service guidelines take away the more personal service once offered (Being greeted by name, etc.) and can cause confusion with meal service and related coordination. I’m sure that Delta will review this and rectify the procedure.
Delta, please take these comments constructively and not as a bashing session. We, as premium travelers, only want to make the flying experience more enjoyable and to see you offer the best product in the sky. Keep up the great work with the international expansion!
October 18th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I was talking to someone about painting planes and they commented that if planes were left unpainted, that would be less weight (imagine the many gallons needed to paint a plane) and therefore, less fuel used in the long run.
Anyone know if the paint serves any practical purpose beyond aesthetics?
October 18th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
goodstuff:
Using paint on the fuselage has several benefits. To an extent, paint helps control the corrosion and overall exterior of the fuselage; plus many other benefits.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
The planes are painted white which, I assume, weighs the same as any other color. The metal’s natural color is silver, a tactic I belive American uses(they put a coating on the plane, but leave it it’s natural color). Having large Delta on the side would not effect the weight any more than painting it white, unless is what painted over the white.
NASA decided to leave the external fiel tank it’s natural rust color to save several tons of weight. The first few shuttle missions had the external fuel tank painted white.
October 20th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Of course, my question was in regards to leaving it natural (silver) as opposed to applying paint… of any color. So, the application of the coating that AA uses, does that cut weight or is it just an aesthetic choice? Any guesses on the cost savings of that choice?
Always looking for ways to make sure “my Delta” keeps up the good work coming out of bankruptcy!!
October 21st, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I agree with many of the comments above especially about the interior of your aircraft. Although your new aircraft interiors are great, your lavs are much less desirable. I mean some of them are down right bad. How about a complete upgrade of them. Your new upgrades in trans con first class are also nice. However, instead of laying a blue sheet of paper down before a first class meal, how about a blue linen. Your new J class service is similar to your service years ago which was very nice. I just think your flight attendants need a little time to get use to the new service and it will be just as nice as the personalized dining was.
October 21st, 2007 at 8:58 pm
With the exception of some of its A300s, AA’s aircraft tend to be unpainted, natural metal. (Airbus did not take the steps necessary to ensure an even appearance of a bare metal fuselage on the earlier A300s and A310s). AA’s aircraft that have bare metal fuselages have them routinely polished during the loger maintenance checks.
The benefit to not painting a plane is lower overall weight, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. I believe AA has stated that by not painting its planes, an AA plane weights 150-200 pounds less than if it were painted.
However, as we know, nothing in this world is free, except maybe your mother’s love. As Tristar_Fan noted, paint helps “smooth out” the small differences that may exist among the various pieces of metal along the fuselage. AA needs to keep its planes polished to ensure those differences don’t add to drag. And, as Tristar_Fan also noted, paint provides a buffer against corrosion.
To the various points made about the DL in-flight product, I’d like to add my comments also in support of improvements. I cannot stand how DL has gutted its domestic F product (DL’s limited route network doesn’t make it a viable choice for intercontinental travel for me as I live in SFO). As a long-time Delta fan, I certainly hope that DL’s executives will fund further investments to create a quality premium product.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I am going to make a trip into the Delta 360 lounge in a few weeks to pay a visit . I fly out of LGA most of the time and the meals that I recieve through the day are Very Good. I did not travel in the Glory Days that everyone seems to talk about. I wish I did but it is what it is.
Today I had full silverware for my Breakfast . I was happy with the offering. Sure beats grabing a breakfast sandwich at the Burger King in the terminal reguardless of the napkin or paper fax linen. The cost I pay for travel today is far lower than 7 years ago on most routes and with that comes alittle less in the top shelf experience…..
I think I speak for quite a few folks also.
October 29th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I love the new paint job, but how about some new planes to go with it. I want Delta to be the best airline period, not just slightly better than its US competitors as is the case now. A modern brand is a good step. Now look at more comfortable seats - like Virgin America or look what Singapore Air has done (even in economy) on the A380. Another issue that new paint jobs brings up is that Delta currently has 3 different paint schemes out there. It’s obvious to any frequent traveler that some planes are so old, and so close to retirement that someone has decided it’s not worth the time/effort to paint them. Delta currently has one of the oldest fleets in the US, and it shows. I’d love to see a clean, crisp, consistent look both inside and out. Anyone seen the new Southwest commercials that show a business traveler spinning a “wheel of fortune” to see what kind of plane he’ll get to fly that day?
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:58 am
Livery is pretty good…it always looks more vibrant in person than in the photos. But when will the “green plane” debut (Force for Global Good + Conservation Fund)?
November 4th, 2007 at 1:11 am
I must agree with jbcolonel. I actually think there are four paint schemes if you count the Song livery. In the days of old, you couldn’t necessarily tell an aircraft’s age by the paint scheme and I think the same holds true today, but one must wonder if the a/c with the old, old paint scheme is actually an old, old plane. I know that a/c see a maintenance facility for a complete overhaul every year or two, so shouldn’t the paint scheme be made current during that overhaul? I realize it may add a day or three in the shop, but consistent branding is the stuff of fables. Delta is emerging from bankruptcy as a strong, unified, bold new company. I think the planes should speak to this success.
November 4th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Brin the classic 70’s widget livery back or at least do a promo on a 777 DL is getting closer at least it’s the real widget and not the “smoothed over” that Leo’s group infected DL with (now DL’s back to 3 main schemes again) the “interim” with “DELTA AIR LINES” AND “DELTA” on the tail grew on me I whish they’d speed up getting rid of “DELTAFLOT” Why is most agaist cheatlines now? AA is holding on. i flew on DL 747 and have models and postcards and that bird looked the best. it is good they are saving money and only repainting during major overhauls…….notice how fast USELESSairways redit………..and again w/ HP ships………good for DL to not totally have to market their theme for the sake of the balance sheets
November 11th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Livery of the month? Whatever. As a long-time DL flyer, I’d prefer more legroom in the back. I recently flew to LAX on a DL 757-200 from JFK. The TV in coach is a start, but pale’s in comparison to JetBlue. Speaking of which, B6 has supreme legroom back there! On my DL flights, whenever I lower my seatback tray, it sits on my knees. The SEATS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER! I’m only 6′0″ with a 32″ inseam, so I’m sure I’m not the only one experiencing this discomfort. (Oh, and what’s with the constant sales pitch from the FAs for food and other donations? I was half expecting the collection plate to be passed around…)
The flight back from LAX was great. Too bad it was an AA 767-200 — a nice, big widebody for a long flight with enough legroom in the back that the seatback tray can fold all the way out where I can even use my laptop in flight!
If I can’t fit in the seats anymore, I’m going to have to fly AA or CO more often. Which is a shame since I really like DL and my father is a 41 year retiree!
Please, Delta, get some 787’s and free my knees!!!
JFS
November 16th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Electric outlets in the 777-200?
Hi, does anyone know if the economy seats have power outlets for use with a laptop. If they do, are they standard plugs or the old “airplane” plugs?
Thanks!
November 20th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
recently flew on a segment from ATL to JFK on the 777-200 in business class…seats much improved from the earlier versions..entertainment pretty good, although having the live TV feed similar to the SONG planes would have been much better…..why would delta not implement the live TV and the stored or canned programs…
November 21st, 2007 at 5:38 pm
The pleather seats should be ripped out of your planes, yesterday. They don’t breathe and it makes it feel warmer than it actually is. I’m sure alternative fabrics probably require much more care, but they certainly are not as uncomfortable. If you’re sticking to pleather.. at least put some pinholes in the fabric so it allows air to flow and not just radiate heat back at the passenger.
Oh.. BIG thanks for accepting plastic (charge cards) on flights for food-for-purchase. There’s less need for fumbling for change (passenger or attendant) and you get a receipt for those expense reports!
November 28th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Good Point JFS! My personal favorite is when I decide I need to prep some work and take out my laptop. They guy in front decides to put his seat back and there goes getting any work done!
December 6th, 2007 at 11:48 am
So far the new interiors on the mainline aircraft are a lot more comfortable, but something has to be done about the regional Jets! On a flight more than an Hour I feel like I’ve been sitting on plywood! I’m not going to suggest eliminating a row to give more legroom although it sure would be nice.
December 14th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
After waiting so long to see the new livery this year, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed.
As a whole it is ok, but I am deeply disappointed to see a solid red widget! A 3-D one does not help it. After the employees fought to bring back the classic widget, this change was inexplicable to me. And the widget oversized on the tail looks like so many other airlines who have done the same.
I do not blame the company for a new look coming out of bankruptcy, but no livery will equate to the classic livery from the late ’60s to 1997. That WAS Delta through and through. Ah, maybe next time….
January 15th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
This summer I flew on a CRJ 200 operated by ASA from HPN to ATL and loved it. For a 50 seater it was not cramped like are the E145s. I also enjoy the Delta B767 though it has been 4 years sense I have flown on anything other than a regional jet. What are other peoples fav. Delta/ Delta Connection aircraft?
January 29th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Why is the widget angled on the tail?
It makes no design sense. Can anyone explain?