ATLANTA— Delta Air Lines (DL) may be inching closer to a widebody fleet diversification with a possible Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner order. The move would target the replacement of aging aircraft, particularly for transatlantic and South American routes.
Speculation around this potential order gained momentum after an OMAAT commenter claimed sources indicate Delta is seriously considering a 787-10 deal. The aircraft would likely serve as a successor to older Boeing 767s departing from Atlanta (ATL) and other international hubs.
Photo: BoeingDelta Eyes Boeing 787 Order
Delta Air Lines currently operates a widebody fleet that is heavily skewed toward Airbus. Its flagship long-haul jet is the Airbus A350-900, with 38 in service and six more on order.
Additionally, Delta has 20 A350-1000s on order, which offer greater range and performance, primarily for transpacific flights. Complementing this is the Airbus A330-900neo fleet, with 36 in service and three more inbound—largely used on transatlantic routes.
However, Delta also operates older aircraft nearing retirement. These include:
- 42 Airbus A330ceos: Comprised of 11 A330-200s and 31 A330-300s, averaging 16–20 years in age.
- 60 Boeing 767s: Includes 39 767-300ERs and 21 767-400ERs, most of which are 25–30 years old.
The airline has not yet ordered the Airbus A321XLR—a long-range narrowbody increasingly favored by rivals American Airlines (AA) and United Airlines (UA).
Instead, Delta has emphasized upgauging across its international fleet, signaling that smaller long-haul aircraft may gradually be phased out.
The Boeing 787-10, while offering less range than its 787-9 sibling, delivers exceptional per-seat economics. It is ideally suited for Delta’s Europe and South America network, offering a capacity uplift over the A330-900neo without the need for ultra-long-range performance.
Photo: Clément AlloingWhy the 787-10 Is a Logical Fit for Delta
Delta’s strategy contrasts with that of United Airlines (UA), which is building a Dreamliner fleet of over 200 aircraft. Still, a 787-10 order for Delta would make sense on several fronts:
- Economics: The 787-10 is larger than the A330-900neo and more efficient than the 767s it could replace.
- Fleet Simplification: Delta could focus on three widebody types: A350 (for ultra-long-haul), A330-900neo (medium to long haul), and 787-10 (regional long haul).
- Upgauging Compatibility: As Delta continues upgauging its international fleet, the 787-10 matches its growth model with minimal network compromise.
- Phased Replacement: The 767-300ERs are likely the first to retire by the end of the decade, followed by A330-200s and 767-400ERs.
Tim Dunn, a frequent OMAAT contributor, suggested Delta might place a 40–50 aircraft order, with deliveries aligned to the 767-300ER retirement timeline.
He also speculated that Delta’s last Airbus widebody order may have already been placed, opening the door for Boeing to reenter the fleet mix.
Photo: Clément AlloingStrategic Diversification Beyond Airbus
Unlike American and United, Delta has avoided going all-in on one manufacturer for widebody aircraft. A 787-10 order would solidify a mixed-fleet strategy, offering operational flexibility and reducing dependency on Airbus deliveries.
Moreover, geopolitical factors such as tariffs may nudge Delta toward U.S.-built aircraft, giving Boeing an edge in negotiations. While there’s no official confirmation from Delta executives, the logic for this order is increasingly hard to ignore.
Whether Delta or American places a 787-10 order first remains uncertain. But Delta’s aging fleet, focus on network upgauging, and the 787-10’s economics suggest it may just be a matter of time.
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The post Delta Air Lines May Place New Order for Boeing 787 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
