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Expecting a tantalizing fleet expansion, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) might need a tighter grip on their anticipation. As per Bloomberg’s recent revelations, the airline foresees a potential dance with destiny awaiting the deliveries of the Boeing (BA) 737 MAX 10 planes they’ve eagerly ordered, with the handover possibly postponed until the year 2027. This disheartening delay stems from the intense scrutiny Boeing is facing from aviation authorities following a series of unsettling incidents.
The airline heavyweight, Delta (DAL), clinched deals for a staggering 100 MAX 10 aircraft, valued at a jaw-dropping approximate of $13.5 billion at list prices – with the added flexibility of snagging an additional 30 planes. Initially eyeing to embrace these new members into their fleet starting next year, CEO Ed Bastian expressed, “We were already anticipating if it came in 2025, it would be late in the year. My guess is it will be another year or two beyond that,” in a candid atelier with Bloomberg.
An air of cautious optimism blankets Delta (DAL) as Bastian disclosed the airline’s contentment with the safeguards entrenched in their contract to safeguard against hiccup scenarios like this delay. Clearly acknowledging the hurdles, with “several issues” plaguing the 737 MAX that necessitate resolution, Delta is engaged in active dialogues with Boeing (BA) to iron out the discrepancies.
Seeking solace in the embrace of Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) A321neo single-aisle aircraft, Bastian proudly proclaimed, “we’re very pleased with that aircraft,” saluting the European manufacturer’s airliner as a preferable choice in the face of the MAX 10 delay.
The unsettling delay notwithstanding, a ray of hope emanates from the robust demand for air travel amid spring school breaks and the forthcoming summer season, both domestically and internationally. Delta (DAL) stands grinning ear to ear, basking in the glory of one of their most lucrative sales periods over the past 10 weeks, as revealed by Bastian, signifying the airline’s successful harnessing of bullish market tides.
