Comments on: Mod Blog: August Updates

By: Daryl-ATL

Daryl-ATL — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:59:34 +0000

Mike, I had to go back to August, 2009 to find a post from your department about aircraft types and seats other than blurbs about the status of the fleet WiFi conversion. I see more and more questions in other related blogs being asked by readers concerning carrier’s conversion schedules to the upgraded premium seat product, improved IFE systems, as well as just detailed information about any and all of this. I notice that not much has been written lately about topics such as these and perhaps it might be helpful if the everyone is better keep up to speed about the new seats, IFE’s and the entire long-haul conversion/upgrade schedule and program. Also, for the life of me, I cannot find anything here in this blog that differentiates the new flat-bed product found in the LR’s from those found in the 767-400′s. I know they are different, however, all that seems to be addressed are the 767-400 seats. Could you perhaps prepare a long, detailed post about the new seats and what to expect in the future, as to the 777-200ER’s, 767-300ER’s, 747-400′s and the A330′s? Anything would be helpful as well as appreciated. I think my fellow readers have had our-fill as to posts about pink-airplanes, recycling, green-travel tips, travel-with-the kids, Disney vacations and so forth…as evidenced by the fact that none of these sorts of topics get much reader post/reply-feedback. On the flip side, post anything about aircraft or the fleet, new seats, IFE products or the like and you see lots of reader replies. More posts that are truly news and information that we, the reader could use…would, I think be appreciated by all of us. So Mike, how about it? Thanks.

By: Deltal1011man

Deltal1011man — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:27:48 +0000

I have a winglet question………Will anymore 757s be getting winglets? I know DL has 3 non-ETOPS birds with winglets so what are the chances of seeing more 75s with winglets?

By: Chris B.

Chris B. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:06:24 +0000

JSprague24…we now offer entertainment on all IFE-equipped aircraft in the pre-merger NW fleet.

By: Chris B.

Chris B. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:05:21 +0000

Scott C…the goal is a consistent cabin look and feel across the combined airline, to include our regional aircraft.

By: JSprague24

JSprague24 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:16:41 +0000

Chris- Expanding on what ScottC asked about entertainment, do you know if the NWA side of the house is offering IFE (movies, Delta On Air, etc) on domestic flights on the 757s & 753s that have video screens like DL does? I’m going to San Francisco in October & one of the itinerary choices I have involves a 753 MSP-SFO & I wanted to plan on whether I needed to pack a headset for IFE or bring my book & laptop with me if I go that route.

By: cakdeltafan

cakdeltafan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:26:14 +0000

I echo ScottC’s question about DoD being installed on the former NW 757s and 319/320s. I lean toward flying through CVG or ATL for west coast travel so I have some IFE to enjoy.

A consistent experience from all hubs is a good thing!

Otherwise, the blog is fantastic! I really appreciate the regular updates on the hard product, soft product, and IFE.

Great job Mike K and Chris B!

Skycubbie

By: ScottC

ScottC — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:51:02 +0000

Chris – that is impressive progress and even more impressive if the entire NWA fleet is completed by years end. does this also include regional birds or just mainline?

Also, has any decisions been made on adding Delta on Demand to the NWA birds – esp. the 757s and A319/20s? As someone who flies a lot of NWA metal, that would be a VERY welcome development.

By: Chris B.

Chris B. — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:07:18 +0000

robmarais…here’s an update from the TechOps team:

Integrating the interiors of the fleet of pre-merger Northwest aircraft to the Delta brand is an ongoing effort at maintenance facilities worldwide. These soft goods modifications involve changes to everything from new leather seat covers to carpeting across the entire NW fleet, converting the combined fleet to a uniform appearance for Delta customers.

The soft goods mods also include installing new passenger seat belts, new cabin and crew rest curtains, replacing bulkhead laminates that contain the NW logo, replacing lighting throughout the cabin, and installing new baby bassinets on the international fleets.

The work is being accomplished during routine heavy maintenance visits at Mobile and Dothan, Ala., and Singapore, DL maintenance vendors, as well as overnight visits in Manila, Taipei and Saipan,. Work is also being done during paint visits in Greenville, Miss., and during special visits in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Right now, including the above, there are 10 mod lines running simultaneously, and Delta will reach a maximum of 12 before the project concludes.

Mods on about 20% of the NW fleet have been completed, with an additional 30% partially completed. The project is on schedule for 90% completion by Oct. 31 and the entire NW fleet should be finished by the end of this year.

A separate project is under way to place Delta-branded passenger safety information cards on the NW fleet. That project is about 80% complete and should be finished by the end of October.

By: robmarais

robmarais — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:16:16 +0000

Regarding the Soft Goods upgrades, are these being done solely on legacy DL metal or does this include legacy NW?

By: n7371f

n7371f — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:59:08 +0000

As a NW Platinum I’m confused about what’s the end-game for the 5500 series 757′s. You just updated the flight deck of 5501 but none of these 5500 series 757′s are being painted or having the interiors updated. Word is the remaining ships 5501 to 5534 are not being retained past next year. So why would you update the cockpits then? Or has a change been made to keeping them?