dailynewsnblog
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
* Last Updated: 07:40 AM EST on January 13, 2026, by Jake Hardiman *
Delta Air Lines has placed its first order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner by putting pen to paper with the US planemaker on a deal for 30 units of the stretched 787-10 model. The agreement supports US aerospace manufacturing across the board, with the type’s GE engines also made in America. The carrier had previously been leaning more on Airbus for new narrowbodies, but, now it is diversifying.
Delta’s firm order for 30 examples of the Boeing 787-10 is complemented by options for another 60 units of the type, meaning that, further down the line, its total fleet size could grow to as many as 60 Dreamliners. The Atlanta-based SkyTeam founding member will be the last of the ‘big three’ US legacy carriers to fly the 
Boeing 787, with its rivals American and United Airlines having used the type for years.
A Closer Look At The Order
Tuesday, January 13, 07:40 AM EST
With its order for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner now confirmed, Delta Air Lines is looking to future-proof its twin-aisle fleet while also making positive changes from a passenger experience perspective. On this, Dan Janki, Delta’s Chief Financial Officer, explains that the “order adds diversity to our widebody order book, while creating cost-efficient scale across all widebody fleets.” He also expects the 787 to bring operational improvements.
As far as routes are concerned, the airline has been keen to highlight the fact that “the 787-10 is an ideal addition to Delta’s Transatlantic and South American network,” where the Dreamliner will provide a fresh angle on long-haul routes with higher demand. As well as offering a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, Delta will also benefit from increased capacity on both the passenger and cargo side of things, thanks to the 787-10’s larger size.
Passengers can expect smoother journeys, thanks to the Dreamliner’s ability to climb to higher altitudes, and with “large, tint-controlled windows, spacious overhead storage bins, (…) [and] reduced noise for a quieter flight experience” also making for a nicer on-board environment. Delta Air Lines did initially inherit an order for 16 units of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it merged with Northwest Airlines, but chose to cancel this deal in 2016.
Would The Boeing 787-10 Really Be A Good Choice For Delta Air Lines?
The aircraft offers some exceptional long-range capabilities.
30 Dreamliners For Delta
Tuesday, January 13, 07:25 AM EST
Delta Air Lines has just confirmed that it has shaken hands with Boeing on a deal concerning 30 firm orders for the 787-10 Dreamliner and options for another 30 more. Deliveries of these modern twin-engine widebody commercial aircraft will commence in 2031, as reported by Bloomberg, as Delta Air Lines looks to diversify and modernize the operations of its growing fleet of twin-aisle jetliners.
Despite having had the timeline for its 100 examples of the 737 MAX 10 impacted by delays to the type’s certification process, Delta Air Lines has chosen to continue to put its trust in Boeing. The deal, it says, “underscores the strength of the US aerospace industry and advanced manufacturing, with both the aircraft and its GE engines designed and manufactured in the US.” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said:
“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements, and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come.”
