Aerospace

Delta Airlines purchases 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to update its fleet.

On the opening day of the Farnborough airshow, Boeing received a sizable order for its Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Up to 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be used by Delta Airlines to modernise its single-aisle fleet.

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FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines [NYSE: DAL] and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the U.S. carrier will update its single-aisle fleet with the highly efficient 737 MAX to fulfil demand as well as long-term sustainability goals. Delta will acquire 100 737-10 jets, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, with options for an additional 30 planes, according to a signing ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow.

“With an elevated customer experience, increased fuel efficiency, and best-in-class performance, the Boeing 737-10 will be a vital addition to Delta’s fleet as we define a more sustainable future for air travel,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “These new aircraft provide greater operational economics and network flexibility, and the agreement represents our conservative stance,” said the company.

“This aircraft will be piloted, served, and maintained by the very best personnel in the field,” Bastian added, “and it’s their hard work and dedication to our clients that always sets us apart.”

The 737-10 will provide Delta Air Lines the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle Boeing aircraft, lowering fuel consumption and emissions by 20-30% compared to the planes it replaces. With a maximum range of 3,300 nautical miles and accommodations for up to 230 passengers, the jet can cover 99 percent of single-aisle routes worldwide.

“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,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial 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.”

As part of today’s announcement, 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.

One of the world’s largest carriers, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines operates a fleet of more than 850 mainline aircraft, including more than 450 Boeing 717s, 737s, 757s and 767s.

Related Topics:boeing 737 max Delta Airlines

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.