Delta Air Lines has ordered 10 additional Airbus A330-900 wide-body aircraft in a move that expands their A330neo order book from 25 to 35 aircraft.
The companies say the order will support Delta’s international growth strategy in the near to medium-term, with Delta chief executive officer Ed Bastian commenting that the aircraft will be an “important addition” to the airline’s fleet.
At the same time, Delta and Airbus also agreed to defer 10 previously ordered A350 XWBs until 2025-26 to “accommodate the airline’s long-term growth strategy.”
Delta currently operates 11 A350-900 aircraft and expects a further four in 2019-2020. The airline’s A330 fleet stands at 42 wide-body aircraft.
Bastian said the new technology and features of the next-generation A330 family offer “advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”
Airbus chief commercial officer, Christian Scherer said: “Delta has been endorsing the Airbus wide-body family from the outset by committing to both the A330 and the A350. We are listening to our customers and proud to be in the position to flexibly respond to their fleet requirements for more A330s and equally appreciate the ongoing commitment for more A350s as part of their long-term growth strategy.”
He added that Delta’s “reconfirmed endorsement” validates the economic credentials of the Airbus wide-body family “in the most advanced and competitive environments.”
