Delta ends 747 era with rise of new Airbus

Delta will officially retire its jumbo Boeing 747 fleet in December. Later that same month, the airline will pass the baton to a smaller, twin-aisle Airbus A350 XWB. Delta is the first US airline to bring the new Airbus jet into operation. And with arrival of the A350, Delta is overhauling its long-haul business class, introducing premium economy and new economy class seats.<br/>In fact, the airplane was built around the seat. Delta picked the design for 'Delta One' even before it had purchased the A350 when it was still deciding if it wanted Boeing or Airbus jets for its flights to Asia. The business class seat features a first for a US airline - a fully closing door. The goal is more privacy for travellers and increasing the distance between Delta and its U. rivals, while taking on Middle Eastern and Asian carriers who have long had a better reputation for passenger-pleasing seats that eclipsed spartan US cabins.<br/>