Quieter Aircraft Flying Into Delta’s Fleet

Delta Air Lines recently announced orders for new, quieter aircraft to replace older aircraft in their fleet. In July, Delta and Boeing announced an order for 100 new Boeing 737-10 aircraft with an option for an additional 30 of the same type. According to Delta and Boeing, this aircraft is 20-30% more fuel efficient, emits less carbon, and is quieter than the aircraft it will replace.

In addition to this order, Delta also announced it had firmed up its plans to purchase 12 additional Airbus A220-300 (A220-300) aircraft. Delta Air Lines already was planning to purchase 50 of these aircraft. The airline currently operates 45 A220-100 and 11 A220-300. This announcement will bring the A220 fleet to 107. The A220 family of aircraft has a 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat when compared to previous-generation aircraft, as well as half the noise footprint and decreased emissions. The A220-100 aircraft was featured in our Meet the Fleet series, available here. 

Both of these announcements build on Delta’s current fleet modernization strategy. In 2022, Delta began taking delivery of the Airbus A321-NEO aircraft. The airline already has 127 A321 aircraft in the fleet. That aircraft will be augmented with an additional 155 A321-NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft. The first four of those aircraft have been delivered by Airbus in 2022 with an additional 81 slotted for delivery between now and 2024. As with all new aircraft today, the A321-NEO has been designed for fuel efficiency and quieter performance, with 30 percent lower fuel burn per seat and a noise footprint that is 50 percent lower for passengers and airports.