Delta confirms $8.5bn order for 100 B737-900 jets
25 Aug 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc has confirmed an order worth$8.5 billion for 100 Boeing extended-range 737-900 aircraft. The order comes even as the carrier moves to upgrade its fleet.
After United, Delta is the nation's second-largest carrier by passengers carried.
Delta is a long-time Boeing customer.
The carrier said deliveries will begin in the second half of 2013, with 12 aircraft. This will go up to 19 aircraft per year in 2014, through 2017, and the remaining 12 aircraft in 2018.
Each aircraft has committed long-term financing.
Delta moves to revamp its fleet in a bid to lower its costs by inducting fuel-efficient planes. Rising fuel prices contributed to a 58% decline in the carrier's second-quarter earnings.
"With significant savings from increased fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, these aircraft will be cash flow positive and earnings accretive from the first year of operation," chief executive Richard Anderson said Thursday.
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