Delta considers potentially 'huge' jet order

By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

Delta Air Lines is considering what Aviation Week calls a potentially "huge" order that could lead to the "potential replacement" of up to 200 domestic narrowbody aircraft - with options for up to 200 more.

The New York Times writes Delta "has asked for proposals from manufacturers for 100 to 200 single-aisle aircraft, with an option for 200 more. It is seeking delivery starting in early 2013."

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Though he described the effort as being in its "initial phases," Anderson says Delta is looking for large, medium and small narrowbodies, according to Aviation Week.

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The Wall Street Journal writes the order would help Delta refresh its fleet, a move that would allow the airline to "replace older planes … after big upgrades to its existing aircraft."

The Associated Press writes "the new planes would replace Delta workhorses such as the DC-9-50s and Airbus A320s that it got when it bought Northwest Airlines in 2008, as well as Boeing 757-200s, which both airlines have operated."

But Delta also has been looking to reduce its fleet of 50-seat regional jets, which have become unpopular with many fliers.

The Financial Times further describes Delta's efforts to refresh its fleet, saying the company "plans to cut another 100 aircraft, mainly inefficient 50-seat regional jets, from its fleet over the next 18 months in addition to the 100 or so it has dropped in the past two years."

Delta already has removed more than 70 50-seat regional jets from its fleet since 2007, and the company is continuing to remove more of those jets from its Comair subsidiary, according to Aviation Week.

"We're upgauging the size of the airline," Anderson is quoted as saying by the publication. "Where we are headed long term is being certain that we have the gauge we need to replace retiring airplanes and have modest growth when the economy and fuel prices support it."

Furthermore, Anderson says Delta is considering restricting its fleet of 50-seat regional jets to routes of 600 miles or less.

So, what manufacturer might Delta turn to for the new jets?

The company has been a regular Boeing customer over the decades, but that might not be the case this time around.

The Wall Street Journal writes "Anderson fired a shot across the bow of Boeing, a long-time supplier, voicing support for the new-engine technology being introduced by rivals Airbus and Bombardier."

"When you think about where fuel prices are going, this industry needs more efficient airplanes, and 20% fuel efficiency at $95 per barrel for fuel is a very important development, so we're excited about the work that Bombardier and Airbus are doing," Anderson is quoted as saying by BusinessWeek.

As for Boeing, Anderson tells BusinessWeek: "They're staying with legacy equipment, as I understand it … so they'll be in the running but their numbers are going to have to match up against the efficiencies of the next generation airplane."

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