Will Delta Air Lines Adopt Both Airbus A350 and Boeing 787?
Introduction to Delta Air Lines’ Current Fleet
Delta Air Lines, one of the major carriers in the United States, is contemplating the addition of the Boeing 787 to its extensive long-haul fleet. Such an acquisition could disrupt Delta’s largely Airbus-dominated widebody fleet. Presently, Delta is the largest operator of the Airbus A220, A330, Boeing 717, 757, and 767.
Delta’s Airbus and Boeing Fleet
- Delta operates 39 Boeing 767-300ER and 21 767-400ER aircraft. The 767-300ER, primarily used for transcontinental and some medium-long haul services, will retire by the end of the decade.
- The Airbus lineup includes 11 A330-200, 31 A330-300, 37 A330-900 (with two more on order), and 38 A350-900. The A350-900 fleet includes aircraft formerly from LATAM, due to be retrofitted with fewer seats.
- Delta expects the delivery of 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft beginning in 2026, advancing fleet sustainability and improving customer experience.
Contemplating the Boeing 787
The Boeing 787, notably the 787-10 model, is under consideration by Delta. Insider JonNYC and reports suggest a potential deal by late 2025 or early 2026. This move aligns with plans to replace aging 767s with more efficient alternatives like the A350-1000.
Boeing 787-10 Specifications
| Cockpit Crew | Two |
|---|---|
| Seating (2-class) | 330 (32J / 298Y) |
| Length | 224 ft (68.28 m) |
| Wingspan | 197 ft 3 in (60.12 m) |
| Height | 55ft 10 in (17.02 m) |
| Cargo Capacity | 40 LD3 (6,722 cu ft / 190.3 m3) |
| Range | 6,330 nautical miles (11,720 km) |
| Engines | GEnx-1B / Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 |
Rationale Behind the Potential Order
Delta looking to the Boeing 787-10 is strategic. While the A350 suffices for long-haul needs, the 787-10 offers performance suited for robust trans-Atlantic operations, ensuring Delta is less dependent on Airbus and mitigating potential delivery delays. The 787-10’s capacity and efficiency could also support popular routes out of key hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and New York JFK.
The Success and Challenges of the 787-10
The 787-10, though not as commercially successful as its smaller variants, remains vital for many airlines. Delta has successfully utilized its A350s for significant routes like Los Angeles to Shanghai and planned services to Seoul. Still, the potential 787 order would enhance flexibility if worldwide constraints elsewhere intensify.
Delta’s Historical Connection with Boeing
Despite Delta’s firm Airbus allegiance in recent years, its past with Boeing is substantial. Older models like the 777 and 747 were part of Delta’s fleet. A cancelled 787 order followed Northwest Airlines’ merger, but this cancellation aligned with fleet strategy needs. Should Delta confirm a 787 order, deliveries might not occur until near the decade’s end because of pre-existing backorders.
Conclusion
While an official announcement remains pending, speculation suggests Delta might opt for the 787-10 soon. This move would modernize its fleet while diversifying options, negotiating terms crucial in securing the Dreamliner amid Airbus dominance.
