Delta Signs Deal with Boeing For Up To 40 Aircraft

Delta Air Lines has confirmed plans to add up to 20 Embraer 190 and 20 new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to its fleet.

The deal with Boeing is part of the airline's continued strategy to improve its efficiency by adding additional 737-900ERs and upgauging its mainline fleet with the nearly 100-seat, twin-engine E190 jets while reducing the use of small regional aircraft.

Delta said that this new deal offered more compelling economics over a previously cancelled order that also included Boeing-held E190s.

"Delta continues to look for opportunities to deploy larger aircraft, which bring customer experience enhancements and improved economics, across its fleet," said Greg May, Delta's Senior Vice President – Supply Chain Management. "This aircraft order is another example of Delta's unique fleet strategy to deploy a mix of new and used aircraft, maintain low capital costs, and leverage significant capacity flexibility to produce superior returns for our shareholders."

Expected to begin flying in early 2017, the E190s feature two-by-two seating throughout the Main Cabin, one-by-two in First Class.

The additional Boeing 737-900ERs will bring the total in Delta's fleet to 120 by 2019. The aircraft features 20 seats in First Class, 21 seats in Delta Comfort+ and 139 seats in the Main Cabin.