Delta, United Invest in Aircraft Anticipating Increased Travel Demand
Joe Cortez July 13, 2021
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are investing in new aircraft, with the hopes that the post-pandemic air travel recovery will keep them filled. Delta will add several Airbus and Boeing airframes to their fleet, while United is investing in electric technology scheduled to fly in 2026.
With more travelers coming back to the airports to travel once again, two legacy carriers will add new airframes to their fleets starting in 2022. Delta Air Lines will add 36 used Boeing 737-900ER and seven used Airbus A350-900 aircraft to their fleet, while United Airlines is partnering with three other companies to launch electric-powered passenger aircraft.
Delta Seeks Replacements for Retired Aircraft, While United Looks Towards Sustainability
For Delta, the move is based on necessity. During 2020, the Atlanta-based carrier accelerated the retirement of many of their legacy aircraft, including the Boeing 777, the MD-88 and MD-90. In turn, they are replacing the retired widebody airframes with the composite A350, while the 737-900ER will replace the narrowbody aircraft.
The move allows Delta two advantages. First, the aircraft aligns with their current fleet, allowing it to simplify their operations and maintenance. Although Boeing was reportedly attempting to sell Delta on completed 737 MAX aircraft, the airline already has 130 737-900ERs in their fleet. Second, the aircraft allows the company to improve fuel efficiency while still investing in the customer experience.
United’s investment is based on creating an environmentally-sustainable aircraft capable of serving small airports across the U.S. Teaming with Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Heart Aerospace, the group wants to develop the 19-seat ES-19: an electric airliner with a range of 250 miles. If the aircraft meets United’s safety, business and operating requirements, the carrier will purchase 100 ES-19s, all to be operated by partner Mesa Airlines.
This marks the second time in 2021 United has invested in experimental aircraft. In June 2021, United signed a commercial agreement with Boom Supersonic to invest in high-speed aircraft.
New Investments Continues Season of Expansion for Airlines
The new leases and developments continue a season of rapid expansion for airlines, hopeful to fill new aircraft with eager passengers. Since the beginning of the year, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United have all announced new aircraft orders.
You’re Reading
The original 737 had a collapsible staircase which was stored in the cargo compartment just below the forward left exit door. when needed the stewardess (flight attendant) would extended it to deplane and enplane passengers. I don't know if this influenced the length of the landing gear to make sure the staircase length would fit in the cargo compartment.
...Delta has already committed to the A320 Neo A321 Neo/XLR and A220 for upgrading their narrow body fleet. The 220s wil likely replace fleet of 717s and some MDs as well as 737-800s they retired. The 321 Neos/XLRs will replace for their ageing 757s which have been workhorses for the airline. This leaves the 320 Neo which was intended as replacements for older models of the type and the MDs WHile i'm not paid the big zlotys to make decisions for the company , it would make sense to go with the 320 family as it would would be far more efficient both vendor and crew wise rather than maintaining a sizeable fleet of 737s that are very similar in class but which are a different type for aircrew certification purposes. Delta already has expressed no interest in the Max series feeling that the A-220 as well as 320 family better suits their route structure. The 737 concept is nearing it's EOL and should have done so with the -900 NG. it is an over half century old design that was originally developed as a short - medium haul aircraft for smaller community airports with little in the way of ground servicing equipment. hence it's low stance which does not accommodate larger diameter high bypass turbofans without serious compromises. Boeing should have embarked on a clean sheet replacement (basically what they refer to now as the FSA - Future Small Aircraft) designed around the new larger high bypass engines instead of the kluge that the Max series is.
Its too bad that Delta's sardine configuration of the 739 makes it one of the most uncomfortable planes in their fleet, only behind the CRJ-200 in terms of misery.