en.Wedoany.com Reported - Delta Air Lines is considering abandoning its new business class seat design for the Airbus A321neo in favor of the market-proven Thomson Aero Vantage Solo seat, as certification timelines continue to face prolonged delays. The airline originally planned to equip nearly 100 A321neo aircraft with the Safran Vue seat in a reverse herringbone layout, aiming to challenge the herringbone seat advantages of American Airlines and United Airlines. However, the first aircraft fitted with this design has been stored for over 12 months since its delivery in 2024, with certification now expected to be postponed until 2028.
The reverse herringbone layout of the Safran Vue seat was once considered a superior option, offering better window views, privacy, and sleeping surfaces. However, multiple premium cabin designs have failed human factors testing, hindering safety certification. Delta currently operates 91 A321neo aircraft, with an additional 6 out of service, totaling 97 units, an average fleet age of 2.2 years, and 92 aircraft pending delivery. The airline had hoped certification would take only a few years, but the latest developments suggest these aircraft may not enter commercial service until 2028. According to aviation insider JonNYC, Delta may switch to the Thomson Aero Vantage Solo seat. This seat is already used in JetBlue's A321LR Mint product, American Airlines' A321XLR, and Iberia's A321XLR. Since the design is already certified and in operation, its approval process may be smoother, though some observers consider this a significant downgrade.
Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Brian Bedford emphasized that airlines should involve regulators earlier in the design process to provide critical feedback. Certification delays are affecting multiple airlines' efforts to introduce new cabin types, highlighting the ongoing disconnect between seat manufacturers and regulators. Delta has chosen to install temporary cabins on aircraft stored for over 12 months, allowing them to operate regular domestic routes. If the rumors are true, the new seat solution will feature a layout with seats facing the windows, with feet away from the aisle when reclined, offering a more spacious feel compared to standard herringbone layouts.
Whether Delta will abandon the reverse herringbone layout remains a rumor for now. If certification continues to be delayed until 2028, the airline may have no choice but to opt for an alternative seat solution.
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