US airline Delta Air Lines has placed its first-ever direct order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as part of its long-haul international growth strategy.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Delta Air Lines announced that Delta has placed its first direct order for up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet and expand its international flight network. Under the agreement, Delta has placed a firm order for 30 787-10 aircraft, while also holding options for an additional 30 aircraft.
Strong Expansion on Transatlantic and South American Routes
Delta’s choice of the 787-10 Dreamliner, the largest variant of the 787 family, aims to meet growing passenger demand, particularly on transatlantic and South American routes. With a capacity of up to 336 passengers, the aircraft delivers approximately 25% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft. This feature makes the 787-10 one of the widebody aircraft with the lowest operating cost per seat.
Delta: “We Are Building the Fleet of the Future”
Commenting on the agreement, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said:
“Delta is building a fleet for the future. We are enhancing the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and replacing less efficient, older aircraft with modern models over the next decade. Operated by the industry’s best aviation professionals, these aircraft will deliver a world-class travel experience to Delta’s customers around the globe.”
A New Standard in Passenger Comfort
The 787 Dreamliner family also stands out in terms of passenger comfort. The aircraft feature:
- The largest windows among widebody aircraft,
- Lower cabin altitude pressurisation,
- A quieter and more spacious cabin design,
helping passengers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed and comfortable.
Boeing: “A Perfect Fit for Delta”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on Delta’s choice with the following words:
“We are delighted that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 for its fleet of the future. The efficiency, range and passenger comfort of the 787 Dreamliner align perfectly with Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernisation goals.”
Strategic Partnership Grows Even Stronger
Delta currently operates more than 460 Boeing aircraft in service and has long used both narrowbody and widebody Boeing models in its fleet. With the new order, Delta’s firm Boeing order book has reached 130 aircraft, including an order for 100 737-10s.
The new widebody order supports not only Delta’s growth strategy, but also employment across Boeing’s US-based production system and the wider aerospace supply chain.
About Boeing
One of the global aviation industry’s leading companies, Boeing serves customers in more than 150 countries in the fields of commercial aircraft, defence systems and space technologies. Among the largest exporters in the United States, Boeing focuses on innovation and sustainability, guided by its principles of safety, quality and integrity.
