Delta Air Lines maintains operation of aging Boeing 717 fleet amid gradual replacement

Currently, Delta operates 80 out of the original fleet delivered by Boeing. These are leased from Southwest Airlines' subsidiary AirTran Airways under an agreement established in 2012 when Southwest chose not to integrate these jets into its own operations.

The maintenance capabilities at Delta also play a significant role in keeping these planes operational. "Delta's capable in-house maintenance group called TechOps" enables them to maintain older aircraft efficiently compared to competitors like American and United who outsource most heavy maintenance work.

Despite its age and limited range compared to newer models like Airbus A220s or Embraer E-Jets, the Boeing 717 has been described as a reliable workhorse for Delta’s network needs. Courtney Miller noted that "Boeing was able to remove 2.2 fifty-seat regional jets for every Boeing 717 it acquired."

However, retirement looms for these aging aircraft as they are gradually replaced by more modern Airbus A220s with better fuel efficiency and longer range capabilities. Currently averaging over two decades old, Delta’s decision reflects economic considerations alongside regulatory compliance pressures such as noise restrictions.

In summary: while serving well over years past - even amidst global airline shifts - time appears near where new generations will finally take center stage across skies flown by carriers like Delta today.

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