Delta Air Lines to introduce new A350-900 and A330neo models in 2017

▲ The A350-900 scheduled for delivery in 2017. (Photo / Provided by Delta Air Lines)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Compiled by staff

Delta Air Lines announced that its older Boeing B747 and B767 aircraft will be replaced by the Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Delta stated that the A350-900 will primarily operate routes between the United States and Asia to further strengthen its Pacific network. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the model offers a 20% reduction in per-seat operating costs compared to the B747-400. Deliveries are currently expected to begin in early Q2 2017.

The A330neo (A330-900) is an upgraded version of the A330, which will be deployed on transatlantic routes as well as select U.S. West Coast–Asia routes. It is scheduled to join Delta’s fleet in 2019.

Delta noted that both models align with the airline’s existing capacity and capital expenditure plans, and fit with its fleet renewal strategy.