SkyTeam carrier Delta Air Lines is fully committed to the Airbus A321neo aircraft, with a recent move to exercise its options for 34 additional aircraft, making the A321neo the largest aircraft type in its fleet in modern history. The aircraft will become integral to the airline’s narrowbody next-generation fleet and deployed on a wide range of its domestic and short-haul international routes.

These options exercised are expected to start arriving at Delta from the start of 2029, and with this latest commitment, will see a total of 189 of the type operating for the Atlanta-based airline. Delta took delivery of its first A321neo back in 2022, and already now operates 92 in its fleet. An additional 97 on order will be able to continue flexibility and future fleet network needs.

Soaring To New Heights With The A321neo

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Delta has reiterated that the versatility of the A321neo has enabled the airline to continue delivering industry-leading efficiency, while also being able to maintain a premium experience for travelers. Additionally, the continued investment in the aircraft has improved the airline’s sustainability goals and cost structure.

The decision to exercise its options for the A321neo will see the largest fleet type in its history, with the A321neo ballooning to almost 200 aircraft for Delta (189). The A321neo is the highest gauge of next-generation aircraft in the Delta fleet, and will be 20-30% more fuel efficient than the CEO generation it will replace. Kristen Bojko, Delta’s vice president of Fleet, explained:

Deliveries From 2029

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These latest planes are expected to be delivered from 2029, and as a critical element of Delta’s premium stragey the new aircraft feature more Delta First and Delta Comfort seats than seen on any other Delta narrowbody aircraft. This enables the airline to entice more premium-focused passengers across its domestic and short-haul international markets.

As analysed by the airline, Delta confirmed that to date, the A321neo continues to have the highest onboard satisfaction scores for cabins across the airline’s narrowbody fleet. The A321neo, overall, offers the lowest cost for operations of any narrowbody in the fleet, and is over a quarter more fuel efficient than the previous generation aircraft it replaces.

For passengers onboard, they can enjoy the modern cabin, with features including seatback entertainment, in-seat power, and larger-than-normal overhead bins, making it easier to store carry-on baggage. Upgraded seating designs also ensure additional comfort across all cabins onboard.

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Supporting Future Growth

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A 90-year partnership with Pratt & Whitney will continue with these new planes, with Delta confirming the order will be powered by the P&W GTF engines. These engines have improved fuel burn and deliver a quieter noise profile, which makes the journey more enjoyable for passengers on board.

Delta has several aircraft on order aside from the A321neo, with data from ch-aviation identifying that the carrier still has over 60 Airbus A220-300 to join its fleet. These will be complemented by an additional 16 A330-900, A350-900, and Airbus A350-1000. More than 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 remain on order, with 30 additional options. The MAX is expected to commence delivery to Delta from next year. An outline of the wider DL fleet types is below, as per the carriers wesbite:

With the A321neo poised to become the largest aircraft type in its fleet in the carrier’s history, it surpasses the Boeing 727-200, which Delta operated between 1972 and 2003. The airline operated a total of 183 of these aircraft until they were gradually replaced by the Boeing 737-800 and 757-200.