Bloomberg reports the carrier is looking at adding “dozens of planes” to their fleet from the French manufacturer to revitalize in the post-COVID era.
Talks Could Result in A330, A350 Orders
The last Delta aircraft order came in January 2023, when the airline added 12 more Airbus A220-300 orders to their books. This brought the total A220 family aircraft order to 119 total. Prior to that, the airline ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX-10 airframes in July 2022 after rumors swirled of Delta taking unsold aircraft from the Chicago-based aerospace giant.
While the previous orders were for domestic-focused aircraft, a potential new Airbus order would focus on international airframes. Insiders at the airline told Bloomberg the current negotiations would potentially add “dozens” of twin-aisle Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft to the company. If confirmed, the orders would replace some of the airline’s older A330 and Boeing 767 airframes.
If everything is successful, it could be a natural fit for Delta, which is already using both the A330 and A350 in everyday operations. The carrier currently operates the world’s largest fleet of 63 A330s, including 21 A330neo variants. Anonymous sources speaking to Bloomberg say the airline has not reached “advanced stage” talks with Airbus, while both the Toulouse-based manufacturer and Delta have not publicly commented on the rumors.
Comparatively, the airline currently holds 66 Boeing 767 airframes in their fleet, at an average age of between 22 and 27 years old. The airline previously suggested they could be replaced with Airbus aircraft, because they are more cost effective and fuel efficient than the aging Boeings.
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Source: frugal travel guy