Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft as part of its long-term strategy to modernise its fleet, improve fuel efficiency and deliver a premium in-flight experience across its growing international network.
The Boeing 787 will become a new fleet type for Delta, complementing the airline’s earlier order for 100 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft, with deliveries set to begin once the model receives certification. Delta said the order reflects its commitment to advanced U.S. manufacturing, noting that both the aircraft and their GE Aerospace engines are designed and built in the United States.
Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said the order reinforces the airline’s focus on future-ready operations, customer experience and sustainability, while steadily replacing older, less efficient aircraft over the next decade. He added that the aircraft will be operated by Delta’s workforce as the airline continues to deliver what it describes as elevated and caring service to customers worldwide.
The Dreamliner order marks another step in Delta’s international evolution, supporting plans to operate the largest international schedule in the airline’s history this year. The expansion builds on Delta’s domestic network strength and its joint-venture partnerships across key global markets.
Chief Financial Officer Dan Janki said the addition of the 787 enhances diversity within Delta’s widebody fleet and enables cost-efficient growth, while improving operational performance and the customer experience.
Delta plans to deploy the 787-10 primarily across its transatlantic and South American routes. The aircraft offers about 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than the previous-generation widebody aircraft it will replace, along with greater capacity, expanded premium cabins and improved cargo capability.
Passengers on the 787 will benefit from a wider, quieter cabin, larger overhead bins and electronically dimmable windows, alongside smoother flights enabled by higher cruising altitudes. Advanced engine and airframe technologies also significantly reduce cabin noise.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said the 787-10 is well suited to Delta’s international growth and fleet modernisation plans, highlighting its efficiency, range and passenger comfort, as well as its role in advancing sustainability in aviation.
The new aircraft will feature more premium seating, including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort, in addition to the Main Cabin. Customers will also have access to more than 1,000 hours of free in-flight entertainment, fast and free Delta Sync Wi-Fi, and enhanced food and beverage offerings.
Delta has selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines to power the aircraft and has signed a long-term service agreement with the manufacturer. GE said the engines’ advanced carbon-fibre components and innovative blade design deliver improved durability, reliability and efficiency.
GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. said the partnership with Delta, which spans more than six decades, will continue to support the airline’s international growth plans for years to come.
Delta said the order fits within its existing capital expenditure and capacity plans. With the latest commitments, the airline now has 232 narrowbody and 54 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in the coming years.
