Delta Air Lines is preparing for a major order for the Boeing 737 MAX. The operator is negotiating up to 100 units of the MAX 10, a model that is currently experiencing a certification deadline.
Current negotiations
Contemporary discussions between Delta and Boeing about the 737 MAX date back to November 2020, when Delta CEO Ed Bastian commented on the aircraft. He said that if there was an opportunity, when his airline felt comfortable taking on the type, there would be no hesitation. Also, speculation reignited last September when Bastian told pilots there was room for MAX if the company could figure out how to bring them in.
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Now the outlook is up again, with Reuters reporting that Boeing is in talks with the Atlanta-based carrier to order up to 100 MAX 10 aircraft. An official announcement could be made as early as April, sources said.
Despite owning several Boeing aircraft, Delta is one of Airbus’ largest customers. Photo: Getty Images
Still to be certified
MAX 10 certification may be delayed until next year. This factor will force Boeing to upgrade the aircraft’s cockpit systems. Boeing says it is currently working with the FAA to provide relevant information and aims to meet expectations for model certification.
In service, the 737 MAX 10 will seat 188 to 204 passengers in a two-class configuration. The maximum number of seats available will be 230. It has a range of 3,300 nautical miles (6,110 km) with one auxiliary tank.
The 737 MAX made its first flight in June 2021. Photo: Getty Images
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Narrow-body fleet combination
Although Delta has not yet placed orders for the 737 MAX, it has previous orders for the 737 series. Notably, last week, one of the 737-800s on a domestic flight between New Orleans and Los Angeles lost engine hood.
Delta is also a fan of the Airbus A320 family of narrow-body aircraft, which includes the A319, A320 and A321. In addition, he flies the A220, which is also becoming increasingly popular in the industry. The average age of over 50 Delta A220s is just over two years.
The carrier’s first A321neo rolled out of the paint shop earlier this year, and the company expects a total of 155 units of the type. The A321neo and 737 MAX 10 are direct competitors, which means Delta will keep the two main players in this segment. With more than 120 757s still in Delta’s fleet, Boeing’s and Airbus’ current narrow-body solutions will no doubt replace aging aircraft well.
In general, Delta continues to balance between Airbus and Boeing. Even if it chooses the 737 MAX, the airline will continue its close relationship with Airbus, having just announced a partnership with a European power plant on hydrogen flight projects.
Simple Flying has reached out to Boeing and Delta for comment on a possible 737 MAX order. We will update the article with any further announcements from the companies.
What are your thoughts on Delta Air Lines’ future with the Boeing 737 MAX? Will the order be a good move for the carrier? Let us know what you think of the aircraft and its potential with the carrier in the comments section.
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Sumit Singh (1591 articles published)
Deputy Editor – Sumit comes to Simple Flying with over eight years of experience as a professional journalist. Having written for The Independent, Evening Standard and others, his role here allows him to unleash his enthusiasm for aviation and travel. Having built strong relationships with Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Aeroflot and others, Sumit excels in both aviation history and market analysis. Based in London, UK.
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