Originally Posted by
Slow learner
"The A220 will allow Delta to upgauge more 76-seat regional jet flying to mainline aircraft, a move it began with the introduction of the 110-seat Boeing 717-200 in 2013, and likely replace some of the 717s down the road. "
While the above is true, Delta only got the 717s when AirTran was bought out by Southwest and they needed to divest the 717s to maintain a 737 fleet only. It all turned out rather well for Delta, but the corporate vision to move to mainline jets was facilitated as much by Southwest/AirTran as Delta.
Umm, DL still made a strategic decision to buy them. There are hundreds of airlines in the world that could have purchased them. Yes, DL needed an opportunity to buy. But when that opportunity came along, DL jumped on it (unlike every other airline in the world)