Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 25 A321neo (New Engine Option) aircraft with Airbus.

This is in addition to Delta’s 2017 order of 100 A321neo aircraft.

These planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines.

Additionally, Delta has accelerated delivery of two A350-900 aircraft as well as two A330-900neo aircraft.

“With our customers ready to reclaim the joy of travel, this agreement positions Delta for growth while accounting for the planned retirements of older narrow-body aircraft in our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing efficiency and elevating the customer experience,” said Mahendra Nair, Delta senior vice president – fleet strategy.

“We thank Airbus for their steadfast partnership during the pandemic and look forward to working with them as we take delivery of the A321neo as well as our accelerated A350 and A330-900neo deliveries.”

Overall, A320neo Family aircraft deliver per-seat fuel improvements of 20 per cent, along with additional range of up to 500 nautical miles or two metric tons of extra payload.

“We have managed the challenges of the last year together with our customers, and it is gratifying to be taking steps like this one towards the regrowth of our industry with our long-standing partner, Delta,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer.

First delivered in April 2017, the A321neo shares 95 per cent airframe commonality with the Airbus A320 family, facilitating seamless integration into existing single-aisle fleets.

This latest order from Delta Air Lines brings the A321neo’s total order since introduction to nearly 3,500, with more than 500 aircraft already in fleets around the world.