Delta's business-class revamp: New seats, menus, plates and more Porsches

Key points

• Delta is expanding its Porsche fleet from 40 to 70 to meet demand for high-value flyers.
• New Delta One amenities include Missoni pillows, new menus, and updated suites on A350-1000 planes.
• Delta has invested heavily in premium service for close to two decades, with United following suit.

Delta Air Lines is revamping its Delta One business-class experience with new seats, menus, and an expanded Porsche fleet. The airline, the country's most profitable, is increasing its fleet of luxury vehicles from 40 to 70 to drive high-value customers directly to planes.

The changes, announced Wednesday, include new crockery, Missoni mini pillows, and fresh food and beverage menus featuring Champagne over sorbet and Blanton's bourbon. Many new items will appear on flights from Los Angeles later this month and on other routes in the coming months.

New suites and future plans

Delta plans to debut updated suites with a bigger screen and a more cushioned, lighter lie-flat seat when it starts flying its first Airbus A350-1000 planes early next year. The airline did not announce changes to coach and premium economy cabins.

Executives said Delta is already considering adjustments on other aircraft, including smaller Airbus jets and Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered for the next decade.

I think people are going to love a couple of items, although we hope they don't steal them.

— Ranjan Goswami

What officials said

Ranjan Goswami, Delta's chief marketing and product officer, said demand for the Porsche service has risen over the years, prompting the fleet expansion. He noted that Delta focused on details and quality so items are made to last, testing for chipping.

Goswami added that the airline must keep planning for the next cycle of customer wants. He also said, "I think people are going to love a couple of items, although we hope they don't steal them."