Delta Air Lines places landmark order for up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
By MRO Business Today
Delta Air Lines has placed its first direct order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners, committing to 30 787-10 aircraft with options for up to 30 additional jets as the carrier accelerates its long-haul international growth and widebody fleet renewal.
The new aircraft will support Delta’s expansion on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes while replacing older, less fuel-efficient widebodies over the coming decade. The 787-10, the largest variant of the Dreamliner family, can carry up to 336 passengers and delivers approximately 25% lower fuel consumption compared to the aircraft it will replace, offering the lowest operating cost per seat of any wide-body in service.
“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements, and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. He added that Delta’s crews will operate the new aircraft to deliver the airline’s signature premium service across its global network.
Beyond efficiency gains, the 787 Dreamliner is designed to improve passenger comfort, featuring larger windows, lower cabin altitude pressurisation, and improved cabin air quality to help reduce fatigue on long-haul journeys.
Boeing welcomed Delta’s decision, highlighting the aircraft’s combination of efficiency, range, and passenger appeal. “The 787-10 is an excellent fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernisation strategy,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noting that the manufacturer looks forward to supporting the airline’s sustainability and customer experience goals.
Delta currently operates more than 460 Boeing aircraft across its network, having flown nearly every Boeing single-aisle and widebody type over several decades. The new order further deepens that long-standing relationship and supports jobs across Boeing’s U.S. manufacturing system and global supply chain.
With this purchase, Delta’s firm Boeing order book rises to 130 aircraft, including 100 737-10 narrowbodies. Together, the 787-10 and 737-10 fleets are expected to give Delta greater flexibility and efficiency as it expands capacity and adds new routes in the years ahead.
