Aviation360 MEA

A significant widebody purchase from the Atlanta-based airline Delta Air Lines is apparently being discussed with Airbus. This potential acquisition is motivated by the recent expansion of the travel sector. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline will try to use new twin-aisle jets to replace older aircraft and improve flight capacity.

The potential for a fresh order of widebody aircraft stems mostly from an expansion in transatlantic routes and world tourism. In comparison to the previous quarter, Delta Air Lines raised the number of seats on international routes by over 20%. Additionally, according to Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, 75% of all seats worldwide have already been reserved. He also said, We are excited with the momentum we’re seeing and expect record revenues and profitability for the summer travel season.”

Hauenstein further noted that the airline is now running the busiest transatlantic schedule it has ever had. The whole travel sector is experiencing new levels of demand as a result of this schedule expansion. Airlines are consequently being forced to hunt for new aircraft to both satisfy demand and replace outdated aircraft.

Airlines all around the world are placing large jet orders in an effort to secure reserved production slots. This will guarantee that jet deliveries happen on schedule and that production problems like part and manpower shortages won’t delay them.

According to reports, the airline plans to purchase both Airbus A350 and Airbus A330NEO aircraft. Although a deal has not yet been made, the potential order might include dozens of aircraft. The airline already has sixteen of each of the 32 Airbus A330s and A350s that are available on order.

Both of these Airbus aircraft are now flown by Delta Air Lines. Currently, 28 Airbus A350s in two different configurations are in service with the airline.

The airline, which operates a fleet of 63 Airbus A330 aircraft, is also the largest user of the A330 in the world. 21 of these aircraft are the A330NEO model, which has a much increased fuel efficiency. The age of the airline’s eleven older Airbus A330-200 aircraft is 18 years on average. The average age of the airline’s 31 Airbus A330-300 aircraft is 14 years old.

The airline may also consider replacing some of its fleet’s older aircraft, including its Boeing 767s. 66 of these aircraft are currently in the airline’s fleet. Its fleet of 45 Boeing 767-300ERs has an average age of 27 years. The average age of Delta’s fleet of 21 Boeing 767-400ERs is more than 22 years.

In the near future, the airline will start looking for new planes to help fulfill the rising demand. The frequency of certain trips to Europe would be increased, according to a recent announcement from Delta. It was decided to extend the New York City to Geneva route through the first week of January in 2024.