FARNBOROUGH, U.K.-Delta finally confirmed the decision we had previewed weeks ago and signed with Boeing at FIA 2022 on a contract for 100 737-10s and 30 options.
«The Boeing 737-10 will be an important addition to Delta’s fleet as we shape a more sustainable future for air travel, with an elevated customer experience, improved fuel efficiency and best-in-class performance,» said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. «These new aircraft provide superior operating economics and network flexibility, and the agreement reflects our prudent approach to deploying our capital.»
«We are proud that Delta Air Lines, is renewing its single-aisle fleet with the 737 MAX, the most fuel-efficient family of aircraft in the industry,» said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. «Built in our Washington state manufacturing facility with support from key suppliers across the United States, the 737-10 will provide Delta Air Lines with the best economics to carry more passengers on its short- and medium-haul routes.»
As part of today’s announcement, Delta Air Lines has also contracted with Boeing Global Services for a complete interior reconfiguration of 29 737-900ER aircraft in its fleet. This will allow it to have these aircraft ready to enter Delta Air Lines’ 2025 peak season schedule with fully refurbished interiors.
The 737-10’s maximum capacity of 230 passengers would allow it to compete against the star of the segment: the Airbus A321neo. However, it still has to overcome the hurdle of variant certification, delayed after the 737-8’s problems and extended FAA scrutiny.
Even with this pressure to achieve type certification, and the pressure to achieve it before the end of the year, Delta’s order is a necessary and important endorsement of the larger 737 MAX variant.
