Only two years ago Delta began retrofitting its B777s with the carrier’s newest Delta One Suites (pictured above) and the Delta Premium Select cabin.
The airline said that its next-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft burn 21 per cent less fuel than the B777s they will replace.
“We’re making strategic, cost-effective changes to our fleet to respond to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic while also ensuring Delta is well-positioned for the recovery on the backside of the crisis,” said Gil West, Delta’s chief operating officer.
“The 777 has been a reliable part of Delta’s success since it joined the fleet in 1999 and because of its unique operating characteristics, opened new non-stop, ultra-long-haul markets that only it could fly at that time.”
Airlines worldwide have been accelerating the retirement of older aircraft as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Air Canada recently announced plans to accelerate the retirement of 79 Boeing B767s, Airbus A319s and Embraer E190s, while American Airlines is bringing forward the retirement of 100 aircraft including its A330-300, B757-200, B767-300ER, Embraer E190 and Bombardier CRJ200 fleets.
In Europe Lufthansa is decommissioning its entire fleet of A340-600 aircraft, as well as selected A380s and B747s, while Austrian Airlines is retiring half of its B767 fleet, and Brussels Airlines is to reduce its fleet size by some 30 per cent.