Delta Air Lines provided a vote of confidence for the A220, with an order for an additional 12 A220-300 aircraft. Delta is the largest operator of the type, and this order brings their total commitments to 131 A220 aircraft, consisting of 45 A220-100s and 86 A220-300. Delta currently operates 61 A220 aircraft with 70 additional aircraft on firm order.
“The A220-300 offers efficient performance and flexibility,” said Kristen Bojko, Vice President of fleet. “The continuing expansion of Delta’s A220 family is an integral investment in the future of sustainable aviation.”
Powered by the latest-generation Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan GTF engines, the A220 delivers a step change in fuel efficiency for its class. In addition to reinforcing Delta’s investments in sustainability, the A220 fleet complements Delta’s fuel-efficient A321neo fleet.
Delta configures the A220-300 with 130 seats in a three-class configuration with 12 first class, 30 Delta Comfort+, and 88 economy seats. With a 2-3 configuration in Comfort+ and economy, with a larger middle seat, the A220 offers better comfort than competing aircraft and older models it is replacing. Large overhead bins and a quiet cabin are among the benefits of the most recent clean-sheet aircraft design.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “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 American markets.”
The A220 offers 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous generations. The GTF engines provide a 50% reduction in noise and NOx emissions, 50% lower than industry standards. As each of the 70 remaining new aircraft is delivered, they will replace older airplanes and dramatically reduce operating costs and environmental impacts. Despite some teething problems with the GTF engines that are finally being overcome, the fuel burn and environmental advantages are significant to Delta’s continuing success.
The Bottom Line
Delta is enjoying the best quarter financially in its history, partly brought about by its investment in new technology aircraft, including the A220, A321neo, A330neo, and A350. Delta has placed five orders for the A220, a significant vote of confidence in the aircraft’s success.
