Delta selects A321neo for narrowbody replacement

US carrier Delta Air Lines has ordered 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft for the next phase of its narrowbody fleet replacement programme.

The deal includes a firm order for 100 aircraft, plus options for 100 more. The airline expects to take delivery of its first A321neo in the first quarter of 2020 with new aircraft arriving through 2023.

“This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” said Delta chief executive Ed Bastian.

Delta will configure the A321neo to a total of 197 seats including seating for 20 in First Class, 30 in Delta Comfort+ and 147 in the main cabin. The jets will be powered by Pratt & Whitney geared-turbofan engines.

Bastian added: “Delta, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience. This order for the state-of-the-art A321neo with Pratt’s Pure Power next-generation jet engines reflects our long-term commitment to these values for Delta people and all our constituents.”

John Leahy, Airbus' soon-to-retire chief operating officer, said: “This purchase furthers our commitment to US aviation - a commitment that has never been stronger.

“Today, there is more US content in Airbus aircraft than from any other country, with more than 40 percent of our aircraft-related procurement coming from the United States. In addition, our workforce at the US Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama is proud that they will be delivering many of these A321neos to Delta in the coming years.”

David Casey

David Casey is Editor in Chief of Routes, the global route development community's trusted source for news and information.