The Boeing 757’s Era Fades at Delta and United

After more than four decades of reliable service, the Boeing 757 is approaching the end of its operational lifespan among major U.S. passenger carriers. Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, the world’s two largest operators of the type, are working through the complexities of retiring their aging 757 fleets while struggling to find suitable replacements for this uniquely versatile aircraft. Its true versatility and value blossomed after Boeing stopped making them.

The Current State of 757 Operations

Delta Air Lines currently operates the world’s largest 757 fleet, with 121 aircraft (106 757-200s and 16 757-300s), averaging ~30 years old. United Airlines has the second-largest fleet with 61 jets (40 757-200s and 21 757-300s), averaging ~28 years old.