Delta Air Lines: widebody fleet revamp on the horizon

Delta Air Lines has touted the benefits of its upgauging strategy for years, and its narrowbody upgauge continues in 2019 as it builds up a fleet of Airbus A220 narrowbodies. The airline has calculated that it will be refleeting up to 35% of its mainline fleet during the next five years.

At YE2018, Delta was preparing for the first revenue flights of its A220s on routes from New York LaGuardia to Dallas and Boston. The airline touts that the aircraft offers a superior experience to its existing equipment while driving down costs.

As its narrowbody revamp and upgauge from regional jets continues, Delta is turning part of its attention to a widebody fleet revamp for replacement of ageing Boeing 767 and 757 jets. The airline has cautioned that it is a process that will take a while; but the company is no doubt carefully studying its options as the 767s are scheduled for retirement over the next decade.