Industry Delta Air Lines places order for 25 additional A321neos

One of the largest airlines in the United States, Delta Air Lines, has signed a firm purchase agreement with aircraft manufacturer Airbus over 25 A321neo aircraft. In 2017, the carrier initially ordered 100 aircraft and now plans to further modernize its fleet.

The carrier is currently on its way to operate preferably with Airbus aircraft, after decades of operations with Boeing aircraft. In addition to the new A321neo order, Delta Air Lines also wants to take delivery of two A350-900s and two A330-900neo aircraft sooner than originally planned.

Mahendra Nair, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Fleet Strategy, commented: “With our customers ready to reclaim the joy of travel, this agreement positions Delta for growth while accounting for the planned retirements of older narrowbody aircraft in our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing efficiency and elevating the customer experience […] We thank Airbus for their steadfast partnership during the pandemic and look forward to working with them as we take delivery of the A321neo as well as our accelerated A350 and A330-900neo deliveries.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, added: “We have managed the challenges of the last year together with our customers, and it is gratifying to be taking steps like this one towards the regrowth of our industry with our long-standing partner, Delta."

All A321neo aircraft will be configured with a total of 194 seats. In First Class, 20 passengers can be accommodated, 42 in Delta Comfort+ and 132 in the Economy Class. Delta has stated, that the new A321neos will complement the airline´s existing A321ceo fleet of more than 100 aircraft.

Regarding the cabin, Delta stated: “The A321neo’s comfortable interior will feature thoughtful touches throughout, including new First Class seating design that includes a larger and sturdier tray table, more stowage space for personal items and enhanced memory-foam cushions. All customers will enjoy Delta’s wireless In-Flight Entertainment system created by in-house start-up Delta Flight Products at every seat, spacious overhead bins, state-of-the-art HEPA cabin air filtration systems as well as access to Wi-Fi and power ports.”

The A321neos of Delta Air Lines will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engines, which will bring 12 percent better fuel efficiency gains, when compared to previous-generation A321 aircraft.