A Look at Delta’s Aging Fleet: Legacy Jets Keep Flying
Delta Air Lines has earned a reputation for keeping its older aircraft operational for longer than most carriers, a strategy that not only saves money but also maximizes asset use. Despite a significant fleet revamp since the pandemic, Delta still maintains over 60 aircraft that are more than 30 years old. These veteran jets, built in an era before smartphones and modern handheld GPS devices, continue to serve passengers daily thanks to the meticulous care provided by Delta TechOps.
Delta’s fleet, which totals 988 aircraft as of February 2025, ranges from state-of-the-art Airbus A220s to aging widebodies and narrowbodies that have been in service for decades. Over its 99-year history, Delta has operated 57 different types of aircraft, acquiring many through mergers and acquisitions. One of the airline’s key business strategies has been to buy or lease slightly used jets and keep them in service longer than many competitors. Although Delta is investing in new technology models—including substantial orders for Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A330neo, A350, and A321neo aircraft—it still proudly flies a number of aging aircraft.
Among its oldest planes is the Boeing 757, with tail number N649DL, which is 35 years old. Configured with 72 seats in an all-business class layout, Delta uses these aircraft primarily for charter operations, including serving the NBA. The oldest passenger 757, tail number N658DL, was delivered new in May 1990 and is nearly 35 years old. These 757s, some of which were once operated by Delta’s low-cost subsidiary Song, have been reconfigured over the years to better suit current market demands.
Delta’s oldest widebody is a Boeing 767 with tail number N171DN, delivered new in June 1990. This aircraft has accumulated over 147,000 flight hours and 22,000 cycles, making it one of the highest flight-hour 767s in existence. While Delta’s 767-300s average around 28.6 years, its 767-400ERs, though younger—between 22 and 25 years old—continue to provide reliable service. Delta has confirmed plans to retire the 767-300s by 2030, with these jets being withdrawn from international routes by 2028. Meanwhile, the 767-400ERs are expected to remain in long-haul service until at least 2030.
In the narrowbody segment, Delta’s Airbus A320s are among the oldest, with the oldest A320 (N317US) being 33.9 years old. Out of Delta’s 55 A320 aircraft, 27 are over 30 years old. Although Delta is slowly phasing out these older models as it transitions to newer aircraft like the A321neo, the airline remains committed to maintaining its legacy fleet. Delta’s Boeing 757-300s and A319s also play vital roles in serving various domestic routes, with upgrades in interior design helping to extend their operational life.
A critical factor in Delta’s ability to keep these aging aircraft flying is Delta TechOps, the airline’s in-house maintenance, repair, and overhaul unit. With over 6,400 Aviation Maintenance Technicians, TechOps not only maintains Delta’s fleet to the highest standards but also provides MRO services to hundreds of other airlines, making it the second-largest MRO provider in North America.
Delta’s strategy of operating older aircraft is not solely about cost savings—it’s about matching the best equipment to each route and ensuring reliability while transitioning gradually to newer, more efficient models.
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