Delta adds 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebodies as fleet refresh continues

Delta will add 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft as it continues to refresh and streamline its fleet while improving fuel efficiency and providing a world-class in-flight experience.

The 787 will be a new fleet type for Delta and complements a previous order for 100 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft.

The carrier said the order represents the next step in Delta’s international evolution. The 787-10 is an ideal addition to Delta’s Transatlantic and South American network, offering 25 per cent better fuel efficiency per seat, more capacity, larger premium cabins, and enhanced cargo capability compared to the previous generation widebody aircraft it will replace.

“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come,” Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian said. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travelers worldwide.”

The new higher-gauge aircraft will feature a spacious and quiet cabin with large, tint-controlled windows, spacious overhead storage bins and more premium seats, including Delta One Suites – which currently comprise 45 per cent of all Delta One seats across Delta’s wide-body fleet – with more Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort in addition to Main Cabin. It will also offer more than 1,000 hours of free in-flight entertainment; fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi; and premium food and beverage options.

The aircraft can also climb to higher altitudes, offering smoother flights, features an improved engine design as well as other fuselage technologies to reduce noise for a quieter flight experience.

Watch the video HERE.

Delta Air Lines currently operates from Los Angeles with Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured for 275 passengers in three seating classes – 40 seats in Delta One, 40 seats in Delta Premium Select and 195 seats in Economy. It’s inaugural flight to Melbourne arrived last last month. The route operates three times a week. The new route makes Melbourne Delta’s third nonstop destination in Australia, joining Sydney and Brisbane, and expands Delta’s reach in the South Pacific to five cities, including Auckland and Papeete.

Delta is expecting to operate the largest international schedule in its history in 2026.

“Today’s 787 order adds diversity to our widebody order book, while creating cost-efficient scale across all widebody fleets,” Delta CFO Dan Janki said. “Our fleet strategy is positioning Delta for the future by enhancing the customer experience and driving operational improvements.”

“We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future. The 787 Dreamliner’s unmatched efficiency, range and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernization,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stephanie Pope said. “Our team looks forward to delivering new Dreamliners to Delta and supporting their commitments to provide an exceptional passenger experience and advance sustainability in aviation.”

The technical stuff

Delta has selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines to power the aircraft and has entered into an agreement with GE Aerospace to service these engines. The GEnx’s use of advanced carbon-fiber and innovative blade design provides lighter weight, improved durability, and greater efficiency.

“For more than 60 years, GE Aerospace has been proud to partner with Delta Air Lines, and we’re honored the GEnx now will be underwing to support their international growth plans,” said GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. “The GEnx engine will provide reliability, efficiency, and durability for years to come.”

The order is within Delta’s previously announced capital expenditure and capacity targets. With the commitments announced today, Delta has 232 narrowbody and 54 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in coming years.