It seems there is more continued good news for the A330neo programme, with Delta Air Lines adding another 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft to their fleet.
The order takes Delta from 25 to 35 A330-900, whilst the airline defers 10 Airbus A350 to 2025-26 in order to accomodate the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
On the order and changes, Ed Bastian – Delta Chief Executive Officer stated:
“The A330-900 is going to be an important to Delta’s fleet,”
“Airbus has infused this next generation of the successful A330 family with new technology and features providing advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer is happy, stating
“Operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience are core to Delta’s successful recipe, and it speaks volumes that they have chosen the A330-900,”
“Delta has been endorsing the Airbus wide-body family from the outset by committing to both the A330 and the A350. We are listening to our customers and proud to be in the position to flexibly respond to their fleet requirements for more A330s and equally appreciate the ongoing commitment for more A350s as part of their long-term growth strategy.”
Fleet wise, Delta operates 11 A350-900 airaxt, with four more expected between 2019 and 2020. The airline also operates 42 members of the A330 family at the moment.
Whilst you can squeeze 440 passengers aboard a high density A330-900, expect numbers closer to the 287 passengers in a three class configuration with Delta’s follow-on order.
As usual, the planes will be fitted with the Airspace by Airbus cabins which should bring a better cabin environment, and will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines.
This is another step forward for the A330neo programme and for Delta as they get a new version of one of their workhorse planes used on their long distance network.
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