Delta Air Lines orders up to 60 Boeing 787s from North Charleston

Delta Air Lines is bolstering its fleet of long-distance aircraft with an order of up to 60 North Charleston-made 787 Dreamliners.

Boeing and Delta Air Lines on Jan. 13 announced the U.S. carrier has ordered 30 of the aircraft to support long-haul international growth, with an opportunity to purchase up to 30 more of the largest 787 variant. It’s part of the airline’s expansion and modernization plans on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes, according to a news release.

“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in the release. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travelers worldwide.”

With capacity for up to 336 passengers and 25% lower fuel use than the airplanes it replaces, the 787-10 offers the lowest operating cost per seat of any widebody airplane, according to Boeing. The manufacturer says the Dreamliner delivers superior comfort for passengers, featuring the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, which will help Delta’s customers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

“We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future. The 787 Dreamliner’s unmatched efficiency, range and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernization,” Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “Our team looks forward to delivering new Dreamliners to Delta and supporting their commitments to provide an exceptional passenger experience and advance sustainability in aviation.”

With more than 460 Boeing airplanes currently in service, Delta has flown most Boeing single-aisle and widebody models across its domestic and international networks over the decades. This new widebody order strengthens that partnership and supports U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs across Boeing’s production system and supply chain, the release stated.

Today’s purchase brings Delta’s firm order book to 130 Boeing airplanes, including the airline’s order for 100 737-10 jets. The efficiency and flexibility of the 787-10 and 737-10 will enable Delta to fly more passengers on more routes as the airline expands and diversifies its network, the carrier says.