DLASflyer

The A220 fleet will now reach at least 95 frames between the -100 and -300.
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/pres...-aircraft.html

SJC ORD LDR

I'll take this as a sign that Delta is quite happy with these planes.

I've seen it from the outside in SLC as I was screwed out of my flight due to a missed connection and then from SJC as I was waiting for my flight. It looks great and it seems so much quieter when it's flying over you as well.

I get my first ride on one this Sunday. Can't wait.

Weekend Away

I think the more important tidbit in this article is the MOU that DL and Airbus signed for TechOps to do maintenance on the aircraft. Further diversifying the revenue stream is good the airline, also puts their amazing skills to good use. Love it.

ethernal

Somewhat surprised by this tiny order. Seems more like posturing than a normal Delta order (presumably as the down payment for the MOU)? Wonder if they are getting weird slots or something?

One thing that confused me a bit:

Doesn't Delta have reduced MTOW A220s? So are they taking the extra 2 tons on the reduced MTOW A220s? Or are they converting them all to the full MTOW?

cmd320

I'll take more of these for sure. Flew on my first one a few weeks ago and in terms of domestic aircraft it's quite nice.

Duke787

Good catch and good question. If they are buying MTOW A220s that presumably means we'll start seeing more long, thin mid-con and transcon flights (selfishly IMO since RDU would be a perfect place for a set of A220s for transcon flights like RDU - LAX and RDU - SEA plus the possibility for new routes (like RDU - SJC)

reimero

I read that as "they're keeping the existing fleet as-is but accepting the increased MTOW as soon as it's deliverable."

5 does represent a remarkably small order, but they had just ordered 15 back in December, so this strikes me as a phased approach to their MD88/90/B717 retirement plans. Actually, this may indicate their intent to retire the B717 fleet earlier than originally planned. I know we talk about Delta's past practice of buying aircraft at fire sale prices then keeping them flying forever, but any more it's all about fuel consumption and the newest generation of high-bypass engines promises to offset the initial capital outlay over the life of the airframe in reduced fuel costs.

ethernal

You're probably right - it's just very odd language. Maybe it means "entire fleet to be delivered" as opposed to "existing fleet". With that said (PIP-parts aside if they are the enabler of the MTOW increase), MTOW adjustments are primarily just a paper exercise (possibly a software update) so converting the fleet is entirely possible.

We'll see. Fuel costs are important, but these are primarily sub-500 mile route planes. Fuel economy matters a lot less on those types of routes. If anything, I would say the fact that the cost of capital is so cheap that the fixed costs of carrying an expensive aircraft frame have gone down (i.e., parking A220s in low demand periods is not that costly). If I was Delta, I would want to keep a few low capital cost planes around to manage seasonal demand. But, again, with capital costs so low.. it's hard to say.

SJC ORD LDR

With talk of making SJC a "focus city" (whatever that means), maybe they are considering SJC-BOS, SJC-RDU, or SJC-AUS using these planes. It would also be good for thinner routes out of hubs like SEA, LAX, and SLC.

Dawgfan6291

never mind. Reading before posting is always a better idea.

ab2013

DCP2016

Do you know something Delta doesn't?

ab2013

Yellowjj

Would be quite a drop in seats from the 738 on RDU-LAX/SEA if they replaced it completely. Could be used to increase frequencies though and like you mentioned, open up new routes.

ab2013