Delta Air Lines has reached an agreement with Airbus to add 30 A321neo aircraft to its order book. The airline has stated that this transaction reinforces its strategic fleet objectives to boost operational simplification, achieve economies of scale and drive 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,” said Mahendra Nair, Delta’s S.V.P. – Fleet and TechOps Supply Chain. “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 A321neo is Delta’s most fuel-efficient large gauge narrow-body aircraft and is well-suited to complement Delta’s domestic network.
Delta is converting purchase rights for the aircraft into firm orders under its existing A321neo purchase agreement with Airbus. It follows a similar transaction in April, when Delta and Airbus converted 25 A321neo purchase rights into firm orders and added 25 incremental A321neo options.
The airline currently operates 121 of the larger gauge A321ceo family, and with the incremental A321neos announced has purchase commitments of 155 firm A321neo, in addition to six remaining A321ceo deliveries. Delta also has purchase rights for an additional 70 A321neos. These purchase commitments look ahead to Delta’s future needs, supporting replacement of older, less fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft. In total, Delta now has 288 aircraft purchase commitments, including both wide-body and narrow-body jets.
Delta expects to take delivery of its first A321neo in the first half of 2022, with deliveries of these aircraft continuing through 2027.
“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,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
The A321neo is powered by next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engines, which achieve 12% better fuel efficiency on a per-seat basis than the A321ceo aircraft. The engines will be maintained by Delta TechOps technicians at its advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Atlanta.
Delta’s A321neos will be equipped with total seating for 194 customers with 20 in First Class, 42 in Delta Comfort+ and 132 in Main Cabin. The new aircraft will be deployed across Delta’s extensive domestic network, complementing Delta’s existing Airbus A321ceo fleet of 121 aircraft.
The A321neos’ interior will feature new First Class seating design that includes a larger and sturdier tray table, more stowage space for personal items and enhanced memory foam cushions. All customers will enjoy Delta’s wireless inflight entertainment system created by Delta’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Delta Flight Products, at every seat, spacious overhead bins, and HEPA cabin air filtration systems as well as access to Wi-Fi and power ports.
