Delta has announced that it will add 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft to its fleet as it continues to refresh and streamline its fleet while improving fuel efficiency and improving the in-flight experience for passengers. The 787 will be a new fleet type for Delta and complements a previous order for 100
Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft (deliveries to begin upon certification).
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian said: “Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come. Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travellers worldwide.”
Delta says that this order represents the next step in its international evolution, broadening its global reach and building on a strong foundation for international growth supported by Delta’s industry-leading domestic network and joint venture partnerships in every region of the world. Delta is expecting to operate the largest international schedule in its history this year.
Delta’s chief financial officer Dan Janki added: “Today’s 787 order adds diversity to our widebody order book, while creating cost-efficient scale across all widebody fleets. Our fleet strategy is positioning Delta for the future by enhancing the customer experience and driving operational improvements.”
The 787-10 is an ideal addition to Delta’s Transatlantic and South American network, offering 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, more capacity, larger premium cabins, and enhanced cargo capability compared to the previous generation widebody aircraft it will replace. The 787’s wide, spacious, and quiet cabin with large, tint-controlled windows and spacious overhead storage bins will provide customers with a premium experience on international flights. The aircraft can climb to higher altitudes, offering smoother flights, while an improved engine design as well as other fuselage technologies reduce noise for a quieter flight experience.
Unmatched efficiencyStephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future. The 787 Dreamliner’s unmatched efficiency, range and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernisation.”
Delta has selected
GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines to power the aircraft and has entered into an agreement with GE Aerospace to service these engines. The GEnx's use of advanced carbon-fibre and innovative blade design provides lighter weight, improved durability, and greater efficiency.
GE Aerospace chairman and CEO H Lawrence Culp Jr said: “For more than 60 years, GE Aerospace has been proud to partner with Delta Air Lines, and we are honoured the GEnx now will be underwing to support their international growth plans. he GEnx engine will provide reliability, efficiency, and durability for years to come.”
GE Aerospace’s relationship with Delta Air Lines began in 1956 powering the Convair 880 with CJ-805-3 engines. Today, Delta Air Lines operates an extensive fleet of more than 1,300 GE Aerospace and CFM* powered aircraft that includes CF6, CFM56-7B and LEAP engines.
This latest order announcement is within Delta's previously announced capital expenditure and capacity targets. With the latest order, Delta has 232 narrowbody and 54 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in the coming years.