NEW YORK -- The Delta Shuttle will completely replace its fleet of
727s with 16 new 737-800 aircraft, scheduled for delivery July
through December next year.
Fred Reid, Delta's chief marketing officer, said the new planes
will have 30% more overhead bin space, more personal space and
computer connections in every row.
The single-class aircraft, which carries 160 passengers, also
will have ergonomic seats with four-way adjustable headrests and
seat-back hooks for hanging jackets.
Delta had been under pressure to replace the old, noisy fleet
for some time from the Borough of Queens, home of both LaGuardia
and Kennedy airports, because of the frequency of Delta Shuttle
operations.
Queens borough president Claire Shulman was on hand for Delta's
announcement to point out that her constituency "has suffered for a
very long time" through the noise of the 727s.
The new planes have one-twelfth the "noise footprint" of the old
ones. They also burn 35% to 40% less fuel than the 727s.