Delta Air Lines operates a mixed fleet, with a slight lean towards Boeing at 53.4%, according to ch-aviation data. But it’s Boeing fleet is growing, and the carrier is awaiting a significant order of 100 737 MAX 10 – the largest of the Boeing narrowbody family. CEO Ed Bastian has made clear his confidence in Boeing, despite the recent Alaska Airlines’ Flight 1282 incident with a 737 9 MAX door plug.
“We need them to succeed”
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian shared on business network CNBC’s popular morning show Squawk Box on January 19 his thoughts on Boeing’s situation:
“Boeing is such a vital part of our industry, our history, and that we need them to succeed and they’re going through a tough time. There’s no question about it. We fly over 500 Boeing jets every single day flawlessly.”
Although the majority of the interview, as you can watch below, was regarding Delta Air Lines’ credit card partnerships, the topic of Delta Air Lines’ 100 Boeing 737-10 MAX order came up. Considering the press around the MAX series right now, it was an appropriate time to get confirmation that Delta Air Lines was still feeling positive about this order.
Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in the world, operates a diverse fleet to meet the demands of its extensive global network. While Delta’s fleet includes a mix of aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, recent data from ch-aviation reveals a slight preference for Boeing, comprising 53.4% of their total fleet. This preference is poised to grow further with Delta’s impending acquisition of 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, a significant addition that underscores the airline’s confidence in Boeing’s products despite the challenges faced by the aircraft manufacturer.
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant in the MAX series, designed to compete with Airbus’ A321neo in the lucrative narrowbody market. For Delta, this model represents a key component of their fleet renewal strategy, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort while expanding capacity on domestic and short-haul international routes. This significant order reflects Delta’s long-term vision of maintaining a modern, efficient fleet that aligns with their operational needs and environmental goals.
Delta Air Lines and Boeing share a long and intertwined history, with Delta having operated various Boeing aircraft models since the early days of commercial aviation. From the venerable 727s and 747s that once dominated the skies to the current fleet of 737s and 767s, Boeing has been a critical partner in Delta’s growth and success. This deep-rooted relationship is one reason why Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed such strong support for Boeing during his recent appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
In his interview, Bastian emphasized the importance of Boeing to both Delta and the broader aviation industry. “Boeing is such a vital part of our industry, our history, and that we need them to succeed,” he stated, underscoring the airline’s reliance on Boeing aircraft for a significant portion of its daily operations. Bastian’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the industry that Boeing, despite its recent challenges, remains an indispensable player in global aviation.
The Boeing 737 MAX series, including the MAX 10, has been under intense scrutiny following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that led to a global grounding of the aircraft. Although the MAX has since returned to service after extensive safety modifications, the recent incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, where a door plug malfunctioned on a 737 MAX 9, has reignited concerns about the aircraft’s reliability.
Despite these challenges, Delta Air Lines has maintained its order for the 737 MAX 10, signaling confidence in Boeing’s ability to resolve these issues and deliver a safe, reliable product. Delta’s decision to move forward with the order is a testament to the airline’s trust in Boeing’s engineering capabilities and its commitment to supporting a key partner during difficult times.
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is a crucial addition to Delta’s fleet for several reasons. As the largest variant in the MAX family, it offers greater seating capacity, making it ideal for high-density routes where demand is strong but where larger widebody aircraft might not be economically viable. Additionally, the MAX 10’s advanced aerodynamics and fuel-efficient engines contribute to Delta’s sustainability goals by reducing per-passenger fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions.
For Delta, the acquisition of the MAX 10 aligns with its strategy of optimizing its fleet to meet varying market demands while minimizing operational costs. This model is expected to replace older aircraft in Delta’s fleet, such as the aging 757s, providing a more modern and efficient option for both passengers and the airline’s bottom line.
Delta Air Lines has been a leader in the aviation industry’s push towards sustainability, with ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and become the first carbon-neutral airline globally. The addition of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is a key element in Delta’s broader sustainability strategy, as the aircraft’s fuel-efficient design plays a crucial role in achieving these environmental targets.
In recent years, Delta has retired older, less efficient aircraft and invested heavily in new, more environmentally friendly models. The MAX 10, with its lower emissions and improved fuel economy, fits seamlessly into this plan, helping Delta reduce its overall environmental impact while maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
The future of Boeing, particularly in the wake of the 737 MAX crisis, is a topic of great interest and concern within the aviation industry. Boeing’s ability to overcome the challenges associated with the MAX series will have far-reaching implications for airlines like Delta, which have placed significant orders for these aircraft.
Delta’s continued support for Boeing, as evidenced by their substantial order for the 737 MAX 10, could be seen as a vote of confidence in Boeing’s ability to recover and thrive. However, it also places pressure on Boeing to ensure that the MAX 10 meets the high standards expected by Delta and other carriers.
While fleet expansion and modernization are critical components of Delta’s strategy, the airline’s success is also driven by its broader business initiatives, including its lucrative credit card partnerships. During the same interview where Bastian discussed the Boeing 737 MAX 10, he also highlighted Delta’s strong financial performance, bolstered by its partnerships with American Express and other financial institutions.
These partnerships provide Delta with a steady stream of revenue and play a vital role in funding fleet purchases and other capital expenditures. By maintaining a strong financial position, Delta can continue to invest in new aircraft and technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.
Delta Air Lines’ commitment to Boeing, despite the challenges surrounding the 737 MAX series, reflects the airline’s strategic vision for the future. By investing in the MAX 10, Delta is not only expanding and modernizing its fleet but also positioning itself to meet future market demands and sustainability goals.
As Boeing works to restore confidence in the MAX series, Delta’s order represents a crucial endorsement that could influence other airlines’ decisions regarding the aircraft. With its strong financial foundation and clear strategic direction, Delta is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern aviation landscape, ensuring its continued success in the years to come.