Delta Air Lines and the Boeing 787 Order
Delta Air Lines does not currently have any Boeing 787 Dreamliners, despite the aircraft’s popularity in the aviation industry. When Delta acquired Northwest Airlines, it inherited over a dozen firm commitments for 787-8 aircraft. The diverse fleet composition presented challenges for Delta.
Background of the Order
Delta Air Lines never directly placed an order for the 787 Dreamliner. The order originated with Northwest Airlines, which Delta absorbed in 2009. Northwest ordered 18 787s with options for 50 more in 2005. The $2.2 billion deal aimed to replace its aging Boeing 747s and McDonnell Douglas DC-10s, particularly for flights from Tokyo Narita to New York.
Northwest had high hopes for the 787, predicting it would be fuel-efficient and elevate customer comfort. However, before these jets could be delivered, Northwest merged with Delta and faced delays due to early issues with the 787 airframes and batteries.
Delta’s Strategic Decisions
Post-merger, Delta mulled over the acquired 787 order, which was delayed until 2020 due to Boeing’s production challenges. Delta’s fleet decisions were influenced by financial difficulties following its bankruptcy protection in 2005. With the chance to defer, Delta shifted its focus, ultimately announcing the cancellation of the 787 order in December 2016.
| Order Details by Delta | |
|---|---|
| Commitments and Options | 18 commitments and options for 50 |
| Passengers (two-class) | 248 |
| Range | 7,305 nmi (13,530 km) |
| Wingspan | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Powerplant | 2 x GEnx-1B or Trent 1000 producing 64,000 lbf (280 kN) |
| Fuel Capacity | 33,340 US gal (126,206 L) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 502,500 lb (227,900 kg) |
| Ceiling | 43,100 ft (13,100 m) |
Rationale for the Cancellation
Northwest’s diverse fleet lacked modern aircraft and leaned heavily on Airbus widebodies. Delta increased its Airbus fleet with orders for A330-300s and A350-900s. This simplification aimed to lower maintenance and training costs. With Boeing widebodies less common in Delta’s fleet, it has largely shifted to Airbus models.
Delta’s Current Fleet Strategy
Delta recently ordered 20 A350-1000 aircraft, which will expand its fleet to 60 A350s by the decade’s end. The A350-1000s, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, promise 20% better fuel efficiency. The focus is on premium customer service with more upscale seating.
| Current Delta Fleet Orders | |
|---|---|
| A220-300 | 66 |
| A321neo | 74 |
| A330-900neo | 2 |
| A350-900 | 6 |
| A350-1000 | 20 |
| 737 MAX | 100 |
Speculated Boeing Developments
Despite Delta’s focus on Airbus, rumors persist about potential Dreamliner orders to replace retiring 767s by 2030. Reports suggest a possible 787-10 order could be considered, although Delta has not confirmed this. The 787-10 would be ideal for medium-haul, high-volume routes.
Delta’s Future Fleet Plans
Delta’s fleet strategy is heavily tilted towards Airbus, with ongoing commitments to the A350 series. Speculation about a 787 order remains unsubstantiated due to the absence of supportive infrastructure for the Dreamliner model, reiterating why the original order was canceled.
