Delta orders more Airbus A321 jets

ajc.com

Delta Air Lines is ordering ten more Airbus A321 jets, the carrier announced Tuesday.

That brings the total number of A321s Delta has on order to 122.

The 192-seat planes have large overhead bins, power outlets in every row of seats, in-flight wi-fi and entertainment. They will replace older narrow-body planes being retired.

The average list price for an A321 is $116 million, though airlines typically get steep discounts for bulk orders.

"The A321 is fast becoming a favorite aircraft of our customers and employees," said Delta senior vice president of supply chain management and fleet Greg May. He said the operating economics and capacity for customers "make it a great fit" for domestic flights.

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are announcing orders this week at the Paris Air Show.

Back in 2013, Atlanta-based Delta ordered 30 of the domestic narrow-body A321s and 10 international wide-body A330s, its first order from Airbus in more than 20 years. The airline added to the A321 order in 2014 and again in 2016.

Then in May of this year, Delta ordered another 30 A321s, while deferring delivery of 10 extra wide-body A350s by two to three years.

The airline took delivery of its first A321 in March 2016. In December, Delta got its first A321 built at Airbus's new plant in Mobile, Ala.