Delta Air Lines has requested proposals from several aircraft manufacturers as it prepares to order 100 to 200 new single-aisle planes with deliveries beginning as early as 2013, according to news reports. A full order of 200 jets would set a record; filling the order with Boeing’s 737-800 would cost $16.2 billion at list price, though discounts are typically negotiated. Narrow-body jets make up more than 80% of Delta’s fleet, and some of its DC-9s and 757s (NorthWest Al) are more than 30 years old. Analysts say replacing older aircraft is crucial for Delta as it seeks to reduce fuel and maintenance costs.

Source: Delta
Photo: Rob Vogelaar