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Delta Air Lines plans to add 42 new aircraft to fleet in 2025

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Delta Air Lines plans to add 42 new aircraft to fleet in 2025
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Delta Air Lines | Official Website

Delta Air Lines is poised to bolster its fleet with the addition of new mainline aircraft, following the successful acquisition of 38 new planes in 2024. This achievement places Delta ahead of its American counterparts, United Airlines and American Airlines, who received 36 and 22 aircraft, respectively. Unlike its competitors, Delta’s procurement was wholly composed of Airbus models, circumventing the production delays that impacted Boeing aircraft deliveries.

Looking back, Delta's acquisition of 183 new mainline aircraft since 2020 has exclusively involved Airbus models, comprising the A220, A321, A330, and A350 types. During the pandemic, deliveries were slow, but 2022 saw a record year with 47 aircraft, primarily narrowbody configurations which eased the transition in Delta's fleet.

In 2025, Delta anticipates receiving 42 new aircraft, continuing its focus on Airbus models, with the bulk consisting of A220 and A321 narrowbodies, complemented by A330 and A350 widebodies. Though the A321 deliveries are unchanged, there’s an expected increase in A220 arrivals, contingent upon Airbus ramping up its production capabilities.

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Within the first quarter of 2025, Delta acquired 9 Airbus aircraft, slightly trailing the pace needed to reach its annual goal of 43. However, the slower start is typical, with activity often escalating in the latter half of the year.

Delta now operates a fleet of 989 aircraft, positioning it just behind United Airlines (1,019 aircraft) and slightly ahead of American Airlines (985). This fleet update bolsters Delta's operational efficiency, marked by the highest average revenue per available seat mile and leading margins among legacy U.S. carriers.

A notable transformation has occurred in Delta’s fleet since merging with Northwest Airlines in 2008, with a skewed preference towards Airbus orders. Yet, Boeing models still constitute a significant portion of Delta’s aging aircraft lineup necessitating future replacements.

Looking ahead to 2026, Delta plans to receive 73 aircraft, introducing the A350-1000 to its lineup, marking a North American first for this variant. Furthermore, Delta expects a return to Boeing with the delivery of 20 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, contingent on Boeing’s certification timeline.

Tariffs present a potential hurdle affecting Delta’s delivery plans. CEO Ed Bastian stated that Delta would not absorb tariff costs on incoming Airbus deliveries but would rather defer them if needed. The complex trade scenario will require attention from the U.S. administration to minimize impacts on airlines like Delta and manufacturers like Boeing.

Overall, Delta Air Lines remains committed to fleet expansion and updates, striving to enhance its operational capacity amid global challenges and intricate market dynamics.

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