Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
DELTA AIRLINES is to replace Lockheed L-1011s used on transatlantic services with additional Boeing 767-300ERs. The airline has also cancelled all its outstanding orders and options on Boeing 737-300s. The carrier says that its capital expenditures "...do not materially increase, but delivery schedules and aircraft types will change" under its amended agreement with Boeing.
Delta operates 16 767-300ERs and already has five more on order and seven on option. The airline has agreed to order a further 12 -300ERs, for delivery in 1997 and 1998, and to take another seven options, making a total of 17 on order and 14 on option. Delta's existing -300Ers, are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000s, but an engine for the new aircraft has yet to be selected.
The 767 twinjets will replace 19 L-1011 tri-jets used on transatlantic routes. These aircraft will be reconfigured and re-allocated to replace older L-1011s in Delta's 55-strong domestic fleet. Delta is evaluating the types and number of aircraft, which will replace the domestic L-1011 fleet, but will give no time scale for a decision.
The airline has cancelled orders for 52 737-300s scheduled for delivery over the next ten years, plus options on a further 56. Delta operates 13 -300s, plus 54 -200s, which will remain in service for the foreseeable future. The carrier also operates 11 McDonnell Douglas MD-90s (which it points out are similar in capability to the 737s) with 20 more of the aircraft on order, plus 86 on option.
Source: Flight International
