Boeing is in the process of preparing its next commercial jet. The new midrange aircraft or NMA is expected to be named the B797. With the official launch rumoured to be at the Paris Air Show, it is time for Boeing to start looking for potential clients.

This is where Delta enters our story. The airline has a number of ageing aircraft including B757s and B767. In a world where efficiency is becoming the go-to decision maker, these aircraft are set to be retired over the next ten years. Delta is reportedly interested in replacing these with the B797.

Not Official

Boeing's 797 project has not even been launched officially yet. The aircraft is being worked on, but this is very much taking place behind the scenes. As of October, the 797 project was yet to be signed off by Boeing executives. All that is currently known about this new aircraft is intended range and seat count.

Boeing is set to start out with two B797 models. The first will be known as the B797-6 and will be designed to carry 228 passengers a distance 4500nmi. This will be followed by the B797-7, designed to carry 267 passengers, however, it would only reach 4,100nmi.

More Fuel Efficient

Boing has been building aircraft for many years, and in that time have learnt a lot. The company is now equipping aircraft with fuel-saving measures left, right, and centre. This has become especially important of late as fuel prices continue to rise.

Aircraft are costing more to run, which has led some low-cost carriers such as Primera Air to bankruptcy. Other airlines such as Wow are desperately trying to find a buyer, while Flybe was purchased by Virgin Atlantic. As such, airlines want to buy aircraft with cheaper running costs, and Boeing wants to make that aircraft.

Discussions with Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has been in discussions with Boeing, this is according to the CEO of Delta himself. AeroTime reports that Edward H. Bastian confirmed he was in preliminary talks with Boeing regarding the aircraft, and that Delta is "very interested" in the B797.

He told a conference: “We are in discussions at a very preliminary phase with Boeing on it, and we'll find out. Hopefully they'll decide to go.”, adding “We have almost 200 aircraft between the 757s and 767s that we need to replace over the next decade,”

It seems almost certain that Boeing will go ahead with launching the B797, and this interest from Delta should surely help. Simple Flying will keep readers up to date on the B797.

Do you think Delta would purchase the B797? Let us know in the comments down below!