Delta Air Lines has placed an order with Boeing for 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners with options for an additional 30 aircraft. The order of Boeing’s largest variant of the 787 will help Delta to further expand high demand South American and transatlantic routes. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2031.
Replacing Aging Widebody Aircraft
While this order was a bit unexpected, it does make logistical sense for Delta. Their current widebody workhorse the Boeing 767 is getting close to retirement age. While they operate a sizable Airbus A330 fleet, the age component is less of a factor. The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners will help Delta move around their current widebody assets where they need fit while the 787s deploy on high demand routes. “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,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travelers worldwide.” The new aircraft will not only replace aging aircraft, but they will feature larger premium cabins as well as increased cargo capacity allowing Delta to be more competitive over their aging Boeing 767 product.