Delta's Economy Comfort class

Delta Air Lines and Amadeus have expanded their existing relationship by announcing that the airline will sell its Economy Comfort seats through Amadeus’ global distribution system (GDS).

As part of the long-term agreement, which promises to provide more choices for Delta customers and travel agents, Amadeus will also work with Delta on initiatives “to further personalize and enhance the customer experience”.

Amadeus distribution senior vice president Holger Taubmann called the deal “a testament to the partnership philosophy shared by both companies and an understanding of what is important to our mutual customers”.

"We believe this opportunity to distribute Delta's Economy Comfort product will allow Amadeus to further demonstrate our innovative technology that meets the complex and changing needs of the global marketplace,” he said.

Economy Comfort offers passengers three to four inches of additional legroom along with priority boarding; on long haul international flights the premium economy class offers 50 percent more recline (than standard economy) and complimentary beer, wine and cocktails.

The agreement comes just days after Priceline.com became the first major online travel agent to sell American Airlines’ preferred seating option.

With ‘Preferred Seats’, travelers may reserve a seat near the front of the economy cabin for an extra fee, starting at US$4 per flight.