DLASflyer

And Mr. Bastian confirms talks with Boeing.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-h...-idUSKBN2820FD

Duke787

Here are the key quotes. I don't think this really tells us much -- these quotes are so open-ended. They could mean anything from "we'll take the 737Max if Boeing gives a little more on price" to "hey Airbus we are still thinking about the MAX so let's talk discounts and deferrals for our current and future order book"

Pip Carlson

To me, a 737 MAX order from Delta is almost a sure thing. I realize things are tough right now but things will rebound. The planes that Delta has around that seat size (A320 and 737-800) aren't getting any younger. Ed and Delta love a good deal and I can only imagine the sweetheart deal Boeing is giving. I'm sure Delta would ask for outs if there is another accident where Boeing is at fault. I'm also sure Delta can get creative on financing so there isn't a big hit to the books right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see a good mix of white tails and new builds. An order of around 100 makes sense to me. If I was a betting man, I'd place my money on an order announcement Q2 2021. The worst of COVID should be behind us, air traffic should see some recovery, and Boeing will be eager to get some noteworthy orders to show they are rebuilding trust.

allseas1586

But what can Airbus offer on some A320neo’s?

flyerCO

I think it fails into the "hey Airbus" logic. Airbus has no incentive to offer discounts if they know DL isn't going with Boeing.

estedman

Does Airbus have any "White Tails" like Boeing does? I figure there has got to be some 320s or 321s that have been cancelled by buyers.

readywhenyouare

I'm not sure that means much. Look what they did to the 777 fleet. It was paid for but they got rid of them and bought new A350's that are just sitting around or going out with a handful of passengers.

cmd320

I'd look at the long haul fleet, especially the 777 very differently. Fuel efficiency for short haul aircraft is somewhat less important than for long haul aircraft, but really the thing that ended the 777's feasibility at Delta was its small fleet size comprised of two different engine types.

jwhuffman

What is the chance that Delta picks up the A320s that Alaska is getting rid of that they inherited from Virgin America? Article posted on main page of FT stated that AS was selling those A320s and replacing with the 737 Max9.

Yellowjj

Zero.

With some of their own fleet still parked up and new deliveries they can't defer; it would be silly to bring in used planes, that they would have to spend additional money outftting the cabin.

readywhenyouare

None whatsoever. But it's remarkable just how healthy Alaska is right now. Delta is in shambles at SEA in comparison to Alaska's schedule. If Delta or any other airline with hubs on the east coast are forced into liquidation then it would be an excellent time for Alaska to expand.

VFR

SEA is the center of the world for AS though, much like how ATL is the center of the world for DL. DL is going to have a lot more luck connecting folks on the west coast through its fortress hubs like SLC than having to share the market in SEA. Seems like the same deal in BOS.

I think DL is committed to SEA and BOS for the long-haul, but they're just not where the revenue is right now. As long as they can maintain their gate presence, they can fly whatever schedule fits the highest revenue model.

DLASflyer

Any DL narrowbody additions from here on out will be A320neo family, 737 MAX and/or A220.