LONDON – Delta Air Lines will continue refreshing its fuel-efficient, state-of-the-art fleet after executing options for 12 new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Delta fleet expansion
Slated for delivery in 2026 and 2027, the expansion of Delta’s A220 family is an important step towards the airline’s ongoing efforts on fleet simplification, while investing in more sustainable aircraft that provide a best-in-class customer experience.
“These 12 additional A220 aircraft will help power our increasingly streamlined fleet while also providing our customers with the elevated in-flight experience they’ve come to expect from Delta,” said Kristen Bojko, Vice President of Fleet.
The quiet and comfortable 130-seat aircraft features 12 First Class, 30 Comfort+ and 88 Main Cabin seats. Delta’s narrowbody airliner offers customers the in-flight experience of a widebody aircraft and will serve customers traveling domestically and to our coastal hubs.
Delta’s growing A220 fleet complements Delta’s A321neo fleet and reinforces the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Powered by Pratt and Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan GTF engines, the A220 offers 25% better fuel efficiency than retiring aircraft in its class.
Delta currently has 14 A220-300s in service and 60 on order, including the 12 options exercised today. In addition, Delta currently operates a fleet of 45 109-seat A220-100 aircraft.
Delta took delivery of its first Airbus A220 in October 2018 and was the first U.S. carrier to operate the aircraft type.
Airbus A220 sales progression 2022
For Airbus 2022 marked a strong recovery in general, with a particular focus on the single aisle passenger aircraft market. The A220 family aircraft fared well with Airbus logging 127 orders for the model.
2022 also marked something of an important milestone for the successful single aisle family aircraft. Six years after the first aircraft – an A220-100 – was handed over to the programme’s launch operator Swiss International airlines, Airbus delivered its 220th A220 last year to operator US JetBlue.
The aircraft boasts an impressive environmental footprint, and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics advanced materials and latest generation technology and engines.
The aircraft has an operating range of up to 3450nm (6390km).
Airbus and Delta also hold a non-binding memorandum of understanding for Delta TechOps to provide component repair and material services for Airbus’ A220 Flight Hour Services maintenance-by-the-hour program.
This strategic partnership will allow Airbus to further enhance its successful Flight Hour Services program for the A220 by building on Delta Tech Ops’ proven component repair and management capabilities.
Additionally, the partnership benefits from Airbus’ expertise in maintenance engineering, inventory management and innovative services solutions.
