Delta Mulls $2.3 Billion Plane Purchase for Regional Fleet
- Airline wants option to add larger aircraft in 70-seat range
- Carrier needs pilots’ union to sign off on possible revamp
This article is for subscribers only.
Delta Air Lines Inc. is studying a purchase of roomier regional jets with a list value of as much as $2.3 billion -- provided the company can get the pilots’ union to accept an overhaul of the small-plane fleet.
The Atlanta-based carrier told the Air Line Pilots Association it wants the option of adding as many as 50 more planes in the 70- to 76-seat range, according to a union memo sent to pilots on Sept. 10. Those aircraft, which can accommodate coach and first-class cabins, are more fuel-efficient and profitable than the all-economy 50-seaters now flying many short hops.