Delta Air Lines Announces Retirement of Boeing 767-300ER Fleet by 2030, 767-400ERs to Remain in Service

Delta Air Lines, a major American airline headquartered in Atlanta, has revealed plans to retire its Boeing 767-300ER aircraft by 2030. This announcement came during the company’s fourth-quarter investor call in 2023. According to Glen Hauenstein, the President of Delta, the retirement of the 767-300ER fleet is part of a strategic shift in their long-haul international operations, with complete phasing out of this model slated for 2028.

Delta’s current fleet includes forty-five 767-300ERs and twenty-one 767-400ERs. However, the airline has decided to continue operating its Boeing 767-400ERs beyond 2030, indicating a partial, rather than complete, transition from the 767 series.

In a significant move to modernize its fleet, Delta placed an order in early January 2024 for twenty A350-1000 aircraft, with an option for an additional twenty. These new aircraft, expected to start arriving in 2026, are poised to replace the older 767 models. Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that the A350-1000s are not only a perfect fit for their fleet strategy but are also 20% more fuel-efficient compared to the 767s.

The airline’s financial performance has been robust, with Delta posting a net income of USD 4.6 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it reported an adjusted net debt of USD 21.4 billion at the year’s end, marking a decrease of USD 879 million from 2022. This financial stability and strategic fleet upgrade underscore Delta’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and improved passenger experience.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, delta.com