Delta to add 16 Boeing 717s next year

Delta Air Lines will add 16 Boeing 717s from rival AirTran Airways to its fleet next year, after finalizing a deal with Boeing and AirTran parent Southwest Airlines.

Delta will lease all 88 of AirTran's Boeing 717s, gradually adding them to its fleet over the next few years. After taking delivery of the first 717s in 2013, Delta will take on another 36 in 2014 and the final 36 in 2015.

Delta will use the Boeing 717s configured with 110 seats to replace 50-seat regional jets.