This article is part of a directory: Farnborough Airshow 2022: As It Happens
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Delta Air Lines has made the first big splash of the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, by placing an order with Boeing. The Atlanta-based SkyTeam member has purchased 100 of the US manufacturing juggernaut's 737 MAX 10 model, with a further 30 options. This follows extensive speculation in the run-up to the show.

Deliveries from 2025

With the pre-show rumor mill having featured the prospects of Delta making an order for the MAX, the carrier has wasted no time in making the deal happen. As just announced at the Farnborough Airshow, it has ordered 100 stretched-fuselage 737 MAX 10s, with options for 30 more. Deliveries of the next-generation narrowbody's largest variant to Delta Air Lines will run from 2025 to 2029.

Delta Air Lines has a significant amount of older aircraft from the Boeing 737NG (Next Generation) family in its fleet. Indeed, data from ch-aviation.com currently lists one 737-700, 77 737-800s, and 159 737-900ERs as being at its disposal. Despite this, until today, it was the only US big three carrier not to have begun flying, or even ordered, any aircraft from the Boeing 737 MAX series.

This has now changed, with the 100 firm options coming at just the right time for the MAX 10 model. The type's future had been in doubt of late, with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun having reportedly threatened to axe the model earlier this month. However, these prospects have since been played down, and Delta's commitment to the MAX 10 will certainly ease fears about the type's future.

Delta Boeing 737 MAX Order
Delta's 737 MAX order adds the MAX to its fleet.  Photo: Justin Hayward | Simple Flying

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Welcomed by both parties

Both Boeing and Delta Air Lines expressed pride and satisfaction at having signed such a significant deal. Delta is looking forward to benefiting from the MAX 10's sustainability credentials, with CEO Ed Bastian stating that;

"The Boeing 737 MAX 10 will be an important addition to Delta's fleet as we shape a more sustainable future for air travel, with an elevated customer experience, improved fuel efficiency and best-in-class performance. These new aircraft provide superior operating economics and network flexibility, and the agreement reflects our prudent approach to deploying our capital."

As for Boeing, it is happy that Delta has committed to the MAX 10 forming the backbone of its narrowbody fleet for the years to come. Once again reflecting on the type's efficiency, Boeing's Commercial President Stan Deal added:

"We are proud that Delta Air Lines is renewing its single-aisle fleet with the 737 MAX, the industry's most fuel-efficient family of airplanes. Built in our factory in Washington State with support from key suppliers across the US, the 737-10 will provide Delta Air Lines with the best economics to carry more passengers across its short and medium-haul routes."

Boeing 737 MAX 10
Boeing has promised to deliver 100% SAF-compatible aircraft from 2030. Photo: Jake Hardiman | Simple Flying

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737-900ER reconfiguration also planned

Delta also plans to reconfigure 29 of its Boeing 737-900ER aircraft as part of the wider modernization of its single-aisle fleet. These are its youngest 737s, clocking in at 6.5 years old on average (compared to 20.9 for its 737-800s).

As such, they will also play a key role in the carrier's short to medium-haul operations for many years to come. Regarding the reconfiguration, it confirmed:

"Delta Air Lines has also contracted with Boeing Global Services for a full interior reconfiguration of 29 Next Generation 737-900ERs in its fleet. This will support having these airplanes ready to enter Delta Air Lines' 2025 summer schedule with fully refreshed interiors."