DELTA MULLS LARGE ORDER TO REPLACE AGEING FLEET

Delta Air Lines may order up to 200 aircraft, with options on a further 200, to replace its ageing domestic fleet. The US carrier has sent out an RPF in December to several major aircraft manufacturers for firm orders for 100 to 200 aircraft, with options for 200 more, with deliveries to begin in early 2013. The new aircraft would replace Delta’s DC-9-50s and ex-Northwest A320s and 757-200s. CEO Richard Anderson said the order would give Delta the size of aircraft it needs “to be able to replace retiring airplanes and have modest growth when the economy and fuel prices