Delta Airlines is continuing to refresh and upgrade its fleet by adding 30 A321neo aircraft to its existing order with Airbus.
The extended order will further the company’s position as an industry leader, officials said, while refreshing its fleet with cutting-edge, reliable and lower-emission planes. The move is in line with the company’s goal of boosting operational simplification, achieving economies of scale, and driving productivity.
“Adding these aircraft strengthens Delta’s commitment to replacing older fleets with more sustainable, fuel-efficient jets, and offers the best customer experience in the industry,” Mahendra Nair, Delta’s senior vice president, fleet and tech-ops supply chain, said. “Delta appreciates the extensive partnership with the Airbus team in support of our strategic growth plans, and we look forward to continuing to work together throughout the recovery and in the years ahead.”
The state-of-the-art A321neo is Delta’s most fuel-efficient large gauge narrow body aircraft. Delta operates 121 of the larger gauge A321ceo family, with options to buy six more. The order brings the number of firm purchase commitments for the A321neos to 155, with an option to purchase an additional 70.
The A321neo is powered by next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW 1100G turbofan engines, which have a 12 percent per seat better fuel efficiency than the A321ceo aircraft. The planes will be equipped with seating for 194, including 20 in first class, 42 in Delta Comfort+, and 132 in the main cabin. The new planes will be deployed across Delta’s extensive domestic network.
“Our partners at Delta are underscoring the strategic role the A321neo will play as the highly efficient platform for Delta’s renowned customer service and reliability for many years into the future,” Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer, said.
Delta expects to take delivery of the first A321neo planes in the first half of 2022, with deliveries of the aircraft continuing through 2027. The airline has taken delivery of 87 U.S. Airbus aircraft since 2016.