Delta Air Lines orders 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines placed its first direct order for up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to support long-haul international growth and renew the airline's widebody fleet. Delta's purchase of 30 787-10 jets – with opportunity for up to 30 more of the largest 787 variant – will enable the airline's expansion and modernization plans on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes.

"Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come," said Ed Bastian, Delta's CEO. "Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta's welcoming, elevated and caring service to travelers worldwide."

With capacity for up to 336 passengers and 25% lower fuel use than the airplanes it replaces, the 787-10 offers a low operating cost per seat of a widebody airplane. Delivering superior comfort for passengers, the 787 Dreamliner features the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, which will help Delta's customers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

"We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future. The 787 Dreamliner's unmatched efficiency, range, and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta's international expansion and fleet modernization," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our team looks forward to delivering new Dreamliners to Delta and supporting their commitments to provide an exceptional passenger experience and advance sustainability in aviation."

Delta has selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines to power the aircraft and has entered into an agreement with GE Aerospace to service these engines. The GEnx's use of advanced carbon-fiber and innovative blade design provides lighter weight, improved durability, and greater efficiency. 

With more than 460 Boeing airplanes currently in service, Delta has flown most Boeing single-aisle and widebody models across its domestic and international networks over the decades. This new widebody order further strengthens that partnership and supports U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs across Boeing's production system and supply chain.

This purchase brings Delta's firm order book to 130 Boeing airplanes, including the airline's 2022 order for 100 737-10 jets. The efficiency and flexibility of the 787-10 and 737-10 will enable Delta to fly more passengers on more routes as the airline expands and diversifies its network.