Delta Air Lines, having recently committed to up to 60 Boeing 787-10s starting in 2031, may be preparing for another significant aircraft order. Industry speculation, fueled by aviation analyst JonNYC, suggests the airline is considering adding either Airbus A330-900neos or A350-900s to its fleet. This move would address a delivery gap between 2028 and 2031, when Delta is scheduled to receive its first Airbus A350-1000s but no Boeing 787-10s.
Fleet Renewal and the Delivery Gap
Delta’s wide-body fleet renewal has largely favored Airbus, making the Boeing 787-10 order a notable shift. However, a two- to three-year gap in new wide-body deliveries raises questions about the airline’s capacity for long-haul growth. This gap is critical because airlines typically plan fleet expansions years in advance to ensure smooth transitions and avoid operational disruptions.
Current orders include 39 A330-900neos, 40 A350-900s (with four more on order), and 20 A350-1000s. Additionally, Delta has options for another 20 A350-1000s and 30 Boeing 787-10s. Despite these orders, a significant portion of its fleet consists of older aircraft: 11 A330-200s (average age 21 years), 31 A330-300s (average age 17 years), 38 Boeing 767-300ERs (average age 29 years), and 21 Boeing 767-400ERs (average age 25 years).
The Likelihood of an A330-900neo Order
Given the delivery timelines and fleet composition, the Airbus A330-900neo appears to be the most likely candidate for a new order. The A330-900neo offers quicker availability compared to the A350 and 787, which both face years-long waitlists. An order of approximately 40 aircraft, as suggested by JonNYC, would not only fill the delivery gap but also provide additional capacity for long-term fleet modernization.
Delta’s existing A330-900neo fleet (39 aircraft) is already a cornerstone of its wide-body operations. Adding another 40 units would consolidate its reliance on Airbus technology, simplifying maintenance and crew training. Although the A350-900 is also a possibility, its longer lead times and higher cost make it less practical in the short term.
Long-Term Fleet Strategy
Delta’s overall fleet strategy appears to involve a mix of near-term gap-filling and long-term modernization. The airline may eventually exercise options for additional A350-1000s and 787-10s, but those deliveries are not expected until the mid-2030s.
The older 767-300ER and 767-400ER models are nearing the end of their useful life, making fleet renewal necessary. The A350-1000s are positioned for ultra-long-haul routes to Asia, the Middle East, and India, while additional A330-900neos would likely serve as versatile “workhorse” aircraft across its network.
In conclusion, while no official decision has been made, Delta Air Lines is highly likely to place another wide-body aircraft order soon, with the A330-900neo being the most probable choice. This move would address immediate delivery gaps, provide additional capacity, and accelerate the modernization of its aging fleet.
