Delta Air Lines has exercised its option to add additional Airbus narrowbodies to its fleet. The US carrier has confirmed it has ordered 12 additional A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline's total firm order for A220s to 131 aircraft.

This is the fifth time Delta Air Lines has reordered the A220. It remains the largest customer and operator of the type worldwide.

Another round of Airbus orders

Including the 12 recently exercised options, Airbus has 70 aircraft remaining to deliver to the SkyTeam carrier. This new order will bring Delta's fleet of A220s to 131 aircraft over the next five years as the airline continues streamlining its fleet to make it more fuel-efficient. The total order is split between 45 Airbus A220-100s and 86 A220-300s. The additional 12 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.

Delta took delivery of its first Airbus A220 in October 2018 and was the first carrier in the US to operate the aircraft type. The airline already has 16 A220-300s in its fleet In addition to the 45 A220-100s. Kristen Bojko, Vice President of Fleet at Delta Air Lines, highlighted how the new additions will help the airline meet its sustainability objectives:

“The A220-300 offers efficient performance and flexibility. The continuing expansion of Delta’s A220 family is an integral investment in the future of sustainable aviation.”

Photo: Delta

The airline announced in its quarterly report today that it has taken delivery of 18 aircraft from Airbus so far this year. Twelve of those deliveries happened in the most recent quarter ending in June.

What is so special about the A220?

The Airbus A220-300 has done surprisingly well for the airline. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney latest-generation geared turbofan GTF™ engines, offers increased fuel efficiency over previous narrowbodies, and the type complements Delta's existing A321neo fleet.

The aircraft is primarily used on domestic flights to and from Delta's coastal hubs. The only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market, the incoming jets seat 130 passengers. Delta will receive them in its standard configuration for the type, which features seating for 12 passengers in first class, 30 in Delta Comfort+, and 88 in the Main Cabin. The smaller A320-100 seats 109 passengers.

The aircraft also plays a vital role in decreasing the airline's operating costs and environmental impact by offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. According to the manufacturer, it is also more pleasant for passengers and those on the ground as it boasts a 50% reduced noise footprint and around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus, shared their excitement for the new deal:

“This additional order from the largest A220 customer and operator is yet another strong endorsement for the value and opportunities offered by this latest generation aircraft family. The A220 provides Delta the flexibility to right-size its operations, gaining in efficiency and offering superior single-aisle comfort. In service with Delta, the A220 has proven to be a game changer in its size category in highly competitive North America markets."

Photo: Airbus

There have been a total of 271 A220s delivered worldwide to date. As of the end of June 2023, around 30 customers have ordered more than 800 of the small single-aisle aircraft.