Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines have taken additional steps to rationalise their predominantly Boeing-supplied fleets.
Delta has announced it will bring forward the retirement of its 50 remaining Boeing 727s from 2005 to 2003 to cut operating costs. At the same time, the airline has reduced the number of aircraft its plans to take delivery of this year from 24 to just eight 737-800s, 767-400s and 777s, while the total next year will shrink from 28 to just five more 737-800s. These figures include 19 options that will not now be exercised.
Continental has also said it will be deferring more of the 80 737-800/900s, 757-300s, 767-400s and 777-200ERs on order for delivery between 2002 and 2005. The carrier expects to take 20 aircraft during 2002, but none in the second half of the year or in the first six months of 2003.
The reductions follow a deal by rival American Airlines to acquire additional 737s and 777s in return for returning its entire 717 fleet. The airline is also reducing its767-300 orderbook (Flight International 22-28 January).
Source: Flight International
