On Wednesday morning, Delta announced an order for a total of 40 new Airbus aircraft, comprising of 10 A330-300s and 30 A321s. Delta currently operates 32 A330s, which previously belonged to Northwest, whereas the A321 will be a new aircraft for Delta, who operates 136 A319s and A320s. This is Delta’s first Airbus order since the A310.
“This Airbus agreement is another opportunistic fleet transaction for Delta in which we acquire economically efficient, proven-technology aircraft,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer via press release. “These A330s and A321s will provide tremendous flexibility for Delta to optimally manage our capacity over the next five years while further improving the flight experience for our customers and returns for our shareholders.”
Interestingly, the new Delta A321s will be assembled right here in the United States once the new Airbus facility in Mobile, Alabama opens in 2016. The A321s will seat 190 people in two class configuration, with 20 First Class seats, 22 extra-legroom seats in Economy Comfort and 148 seats in the Economy cabin. All A321s will have in-flight Wi-Fi, live satellite television TV with on-demand features, and standard 110v power. The A321s delivered to Delta will include Sharklets, similar to winglets on Boeing aircraft.
Delta will be the first airline to operate the enhanced 242-metric ton A330-300, and delivery is scheduled to begin in 2015. The new A330s will seat 293 passengers in a two class configuration, and will feature 34 full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in BusinessElite, 32 extra-legroom seats in Economy Comfort and 227 Economy seats. The aircraft will be delivered with international Wi-Fi, standard 110v power and modern interiors with LED lighting.
