Delta Air Lines has placed its first order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, committing to 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft with options for an additional 30. Deliveries of the largest Dreamliner variant are expected to begin in 2031, marking a major step in Delta’s long-term fleet modernization and international expansion plans.
According to CEO Ed Bastian, the new aircraft will strengthen Delta’s global network by improving economics, expanding long-haul capabilities, and supporting the airline’s premium-heavy growth strategy. The 787-10 will diversify Delta’s widebody fleet, which currently includes Airbus A330s, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 767s, with the Dreamliners expected to replace aging 767 aircraft over time.
Delta plans to deploy the 787-10 primarily on transatlantic routes and flights to South America, leveraging a 25% improvement in per-seat fuel efficiency compared with the jets they replace. The aircraft will also generate higher revenue through an expanded premium cabin mix, including Delta One Suites, a larger premium economy section, and more extra-legroom seating.
The announcement coincided with Delta’s 2025 financial results, in which the airline reported $63.36 billion in annual revenue and $5 billion in net income. Growth was driven largely by premium travel and co-branded credit card revenue, reinforcing Delta’s strategy to prioritize high-yield passengers as it increases overall capacity by 3% in 2026, entirely within premium cabins.
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