Delta Air Lines has picked up options for 30 more Airbus A321neo aircraft from its initial order for 125, making the total of firm orders now 155 of the twin-engine, narrow-body jets. The U.S. carrier indicated the increase is part of its ongoing fleet update.
Neither the supplier nor the customer has reported the value of the order, but with a list price of $129.5 million per aircraft, Delta’s total investment could reach $20 billion.
“Adding these aircraft strengthens Delta’s commitment to replacing older fleets with more sustainable, efficient jets, and offering the best customer experience in the industry,” according to the airline’s senior vice president Mahendra Nair. “Delta appreciates the extensive partnership with the Airbus team in support of our strategic growth plans, and we look forward to continuing to work together throughout the recovery and beyond.”
The first of the 155 jets will be delivered early in 2022, and many will be assembled at the Airbus complex in Mobile, Ala.
The A321neo is the “lengthened fuselage variant” of Airbus’ mid-range series, with capacity for 240 passengers, depending on configuration. Delta’s aircraft will be outfitted to seat up to 194 passengers in a three-class arrangement, mainly for service on U.S. domestic routes.
Delta’s new jets will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engines, one of two options offered by Airbus with the New Engine Option (“neo”) implemented in 2016 to achieve a 15-20% improvement in fuel efficiency over the A320ceo (“Current Engine Option”.)
Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International stated: “With orders for 30 more of an aircraft that is in very high demand around the globe, our partners at Delta are underscoring the strategic role they see for the A321neo with its outstanding environmental performance for the airline’s renowned customer service and reliability for years into the future.”
