US-based Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for a further 25 Airbus A321neo aeroplanes to add to its 2017 order of 100. The wings for the aircraft will be manufactured in Broughton and they will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Additionally, Delta has accelerated delivery of two A350-900 aircraft as well as two A330-900neo aircraft.

Mahendra Nair, Delta’s senior vice president (fleet strategy), said: “With our customers ready to reclaim the joy of travel, this agreement positions Delta for growth while accounting for the planned retirements of older narrowbody aircraft in our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing efficiency and elevating the customer experience.

“We thank Airbus for their steadfast partnership during the pandemic and look forward to working with them as we take delivery of the A321neo as well as our accelerated A350 and A330-900neo deliveries.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer, said: “We have managed the challenges of the last year together with our customers, and it is gratifying to be taking steps like this one towards the regrowth of our industry with our long-standing partner.”

Overall, A320neo aircraft deliver per-seat fuel improvements of 20%, along with additional range of up to 500 nautical miles or 2 tonness of extra payload.

First delivered in April 2017, the A321neo shares 95% airframe commonality with the Airbus A320 Family, facilitating seamless integration into existing single-aisle fleets. The A321neo also shares a common type rating with the rest of the A320 family, permitting all A320 pilots to fly the A321neo without additional training.

This latest order from Delta Air Lines brings the A321neo’s total order since introduction to nearly 3,500, with more than 500 aircraft already in fleets around the world.