Delta orders 10 additional A330-900neos and cuts A350-900 order to 15 for the time being

to replace older wide-body jets & facilitate measured growth

The mega US carrier Delta Air Lines has confirmed on Friday, November 16th it will be adding 10 Airbus 330-900neo aircraft to its existing fleet under an agreement with Airbus and engine maker Rolls-Royce. This latest feet development expands the carrier's order of the next-generation wide-body jet from 25 to 35. Delta expects the first delivery of the state-of-the-art aircraft, which is powered by next-generation and fuel-efficient engine technology, will be during the second quarter of 2019. 

“Expanding our A330 order book not only ensures that Delta’s near-to-medium-term wide-body needs are taken care of, but also drives our strategic, measured international growth,” said Gil West, Delta’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The next-generation engine technology from Rolls-Royce which powers the A330neo provides compelling operating economics, superior fuel performance and the range and coverage for our transoceanic needs going forward. These changes are consistent with Delta’s long-term philosophy of investing 50% of operating cash flow back into the business, ”

Move to expand A330-900neo order book to 35 from 25 addresses Delta’s near-to-medium-term widebody needs

and reinforces commitment to fuel, economic and sustainable efficiency

“The A330-900 is going to be an important addition to Delta’s fleet,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian. “Airbus has infused this next generation of the successful A330 family with new technology and features providing advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”

Delta is scheduled to be the first US airline to operate the next-generation A330-900neo, which offer the latest in innovative design and technology for customers. It will also be the first Delta aircraft to feature all cabins – Delta One suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. The airline also says the A330-900neo will also be the first of its fleet to feature memory foam cushions throughout the aircraft for hours of comfort, and the first Delta widebody aircraft featuring its new wireless in-flight entertainment system at every seat.

“Operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience are core to Delta’s successful recipe, and it speaks volumes that they have chosen the A330-900,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Delta has been endorsing the Airbus wide-body family from the outset by committing to both the A330 and the A350. We are listening to our customers and proud to be in the position to flexibly respond to their fleet requirements for more A330s and equally appreciate the ongoing commitment for more A350s as part of their long-term growth strategy.”

Delta Airbus A350 in Los Angeles           Photo Delta

Simultaneously, Delta has agreed with Airbus for a near-term A350-900 reduction purchase commitment to a total of 15 aircraft down from 25. The 10 previously on order A350 aircraft have been deferred to 2025-26 with certain flexibility rights including the right to convert these orders to A330-900s should the carriers fleet require it.  “The A350 has been a great success for our customers and our business,” West said. “A fleet of 15 of these world-class aircraft is the right current fit for Delta’s industry-leading global network, operational reliability and award-winning products and services.”

Delta currently operates 11 A350-900 aircraft and expects to take delivery of two A350s in 2019 and two in 2020.

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