Delta Air Lines A220 takes to the skies for its first flight

• Delta will be first U.S. operator to benefit from new-generation aircraft's unbeatable efficiency

@Airbus #A220 @Delta

MIRABEL, QC, Oct. 6, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Delta Air Lines' first A220-100 took off on its first flight from Mirabel airport, Québec, at 2:02 p.m. local time. The aircraft was crewed by A220 programme 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.

Delta Air Lines’ first A220-100 takes off from Mirabel, Québec (CNW Group/Airbus)

Delta Air Lines` first A220 lands in Mirabel, Québec after completing its maiden flight (CNW Group/Airbus)

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.

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About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world's leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

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SOURCE Airbus

Contacts for the media: Marcella CORTELLAZZI, [email protected], [phone]; Clay MCCONNELL, [email protected], [phone]; Patrick BRUNET, [email protected], [phone]