Delta to Buy 20 Embraer E190s, 40 737-900ERs from Boeing

Delta Air Lines announced plans to acquire 60 single-aisle aircraft from Boeing after reaching an agreement with pilots to add new planes.  The deal includes 40 new Boeing 737-900s and 20 Embraer E190 aircraft.

The move follows Delta’s announcement that it would add a new 100-seat aircraft to its mainline fleet under the airline’s tentative contract agreement with its pilots.  The tentative agreement was approved by the Air Line Pilots Association’s Master Executive Council and is being sent to union members for ratification.  The accord would also allow the airline to deploy up to 25 additional regional jets with 70 or 76 seats, according to a document circulated by the union.

The Embraer jets are currently being held by Boeing and were previously operated by another airline, Delta said in a statement.  Delta plans to put them into service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Delta is ordering an additional 40 new Boeing 737-900ERs, bringing the total order for that aircraft type to 140.  Delta will use these planes as replacements for older narrow-body aircraft slated to retire in the next four years.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)