Delta Air Lines, based at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, plans to increase its fleet with twelve more Airbus A220-300s. These new aircraft are part of an option that the airline is set to exercise, raising its A220 back order to 70. The new additions are slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
Delta currently operates a fleet of sixty-one A220s, which includes forty-five A220-100s and sixteen A220-300s. The airline has returned to its original A220 order several times, adding more aircraft each time. The updated back order consists exclusively of A220-300s. Once all these planes are delivered, Delta will proudly become the largest A220 operator in the world.
Delta’s Fleet Vice President, Kristen Bojko, spoke highly of the A220-300s: “The A220-300 offers efficient performance and flexibility. The continuing expansion of Delta’s A220 family is an integral investment in the future of sustainable aviation.”
Additional A330neo Order and Delivery Details
In another development, Delta, in a recent U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, revealed that it had received 18 aircraft in the first half of 2023, ending on June 30. The most recent quarter alone saw the delivery of 12 aircraft, including one A220, one A330neo, and ten A321neos. Apart from exercising the A220-300 options, the airline also placed an order for an additional A330neos, raising the back order for that model to 17.
Record Quarterly Revenues for Delta
The same SEC filing shed light on Delta’s financial successes. The airline reported the highest quarterly revenue and profitability results in its history. Operating revenues for the second quarter of 2023 (2Q23) reached a record-breaking USD 14.6 billion, with a record quarterly operating income of USD 2.5 billion. This reflects an operating margin of 17.1%. As of June 30, 2023, the airline’s liquidity was reported at USD 8.8 billion, comprising cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and undrawn revolving credit facilities.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed optimism about the airline’s financial outlook: “Consumer demand for air travel remains robust. We expect total revenue (in the September quarter) to be similar to the June quarter.”
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