Delta overhauls 737-800 interiors; expands on-demand entertainment

Delta Air Lines said it has finished a cabin renovation on the first of its 23 737-800s, with plans to overhaul one additional plane every two weeks until the project is completed by May 2008. The overhauled 737-800s will offer 16 first class and 144 coach seats, as well as a new in-flight entertainment system. The Panasonic entertainment system will feature audio and video on demand as selected by individual passengers, and will provide live TV at every seat in both classes of service. The renovation includes the installation of new “slim-line” seats that allow up to 1-1/2 inches of increased personal space with extra under-seat storage, and ergonomically-designed cushions that were developed “using pressure-mapping technology for maximum comfort,” the airline said. Delta noted that the new on-demand entertainment capability – with up to 25 movies, 18 TV channels, HBO and other TV programs, and a big collection of music and video games -- is now available on 101 Delta planes, including eight 777s, eight 767-400s, 48 757s, one 737 and 36 767-300ERs. By June 2008, Delta said, it should have the feature on another 95 planes, including two 777-200LRs, six 767-400s, 27 737-800s, 21 767-300s, 23 767-300ERs and 16 757-200s.