Check Out the New Signature Interiors Coming to Delta Air Planes This Fall

We’ve known for some time that Delta Air Lines has been working on a major update to the look and feel of its cabin interiors, and now the Atlanta-based carrier has finally released the first photos of its new signature cabin which is set to debut this fall.

Delta has opted for a much darker color palette for its refreshed cabin interiors, which now feature dark hues of navy blue that are complemented by pops of the airline’s iconic red colorway.

Mauricio Parise, Delta’s Vice President of Customer Experience Design, explains that the airline has decided to embark on this major refresh now in time for its big centennial celebrations which will be marked in December 2023.

The new look is first set to appear on just one aircraft this fall – a Boeing 757 – which will test out the new look on domestic and short-haul international routes over the next few months.

From early 2025, an Airbus A350-900 will also have the new look cabin installed before the retrofit process is expanded across Delta’s massive mainline fleet over the coming few years.

While the new-look cabins might seem distinctly darker than the Delta’s cabins we’ve grown accustomed to, Parise says that the airline is actually “leaning into a softer, warmer and more modern color palette with natural materials such as wool and accents of Delta’s original heritage colors throughout.”

“The design is fresh, clean and elegant and elevates key Delta brand elements,” Parise continues.

New design elements include motifs on bulkheads, an ‘Infinite Grid’ design close to the boarding door and a ‘Celestial Sky’ pattern that is meant to evoke the “excitement and wonder of flying.”

In the airline’s international premium Delta One cabin, leather seat covers will be swapped out with breathable and lighter fabric covers made from a wool and nylon blend that will cover memory foam cushions.

Mood lighting will also play a big part in Delta’s new signature cabin interiors, with the airline designing various lighting schemes to suit each phase of flight.

“Every flight is different, so we’ve focused on creating warm, calming and atmospheric lighting options that create an environment for customers to rest and relax, or stay productive as they wish,” explained Parise.

“For boarding, we’ve focused on the ‘moment of deceleration’ – warm and inviting lighting that makes the cabin appear spacious and open. At mealtimes, we queue hues that feel like you’re at a candlelit dinner – making meals more natural and inviting.”

Parise continues: “As the lights dim for sleep, we borrow from the sunset and slowly remove blue light while bringing in warm amber tones which are reminiscent of a sunset glow. When it’s time to wake up, the cabin slowly brightens into morning and daylight.” 

If that wasn’t enough, Delta also plans to give its onboard lavatories a much-needed refresh, using brighter colors and even an accent wall.

Parise says the airline is committed to refitting its entire fleet with the new look, although an exact timeline hasn’t yet been set. For now, Parise says additional plans will undergo retrofits as and when Delta’s schedule and operation allows.