In line with its fleet modernization plan, which is focused on aircraft simplification, scale, size, and sustainability, Delta Air Lines will add 29 used Boeing 737-900ERs and 7 used Airbus A350-900 jets.
Delta Air Lines will lease all seven A350s through the Irish leasing company AerCap. Meanwhile, it will buy 29 Boeing 737-900ERs from funds managed by a private investment firm Castlelake. The aircraft newcomers are expected to join Delta’s fleet by Q1 2022 and should enter customer service once the required modifications are made.
The American air carrier expects that additional planes will improve its fleet efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and enhance the customer experience. Delta’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ed Bastian believes that the widebody fleet renewal will allow the company to grow and sustain profitability as well as support its sustainability commitment as the demand for air travel returns post-pandemic.
“These aircraft are an investment in Delta’s future,” Bastian was quoted in a statement.
Seven Airbus A350-900 newcomers are expected to replace already withdrawn Boeing 777s. The move should help the airline to enhance its cargo capacity as well as reduce unit costs.
Once Airbus A350s will be added to the fleet, the airline will operate 24 jets of the type. The additional Boeing jets will bring the total number of the type to 159 planes, the data of Planespotters.com shows. The existing Delta Air Lines fleet consists of a total of 800 aircraft.