Flying on Delta’s New Fuel-Saving Airbus A321neo

Delta Air Lines is betting that the fuel-saving, lower-emissions technology of Airbus’ new medium-range A321neo will help point the airline industry to a more sustainable future.

Thom Patterson

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 01:14 PM ET

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The flight deck aboard Delta Air Lines’ newest narrowbody type, the Airbus A321neo, scheduled to enter service Friday. [Courtesy: Delta Air Lines]

Key Takeaways:

Delta Air Lines is making a substantial investment in the Airbus A321neo, with firm orders for 155 aircraft, as a cornerstone of its strategy for a sustainable future and modernizing its fleet.
The A321neo offers significant advantages, including 20% greater fuel efficiency per seat, an extended range enabling transcontinental domestic routes, and reduced emissions via its advanced Pratt & Whitney GTF geared turbofan engines, which are compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This strategic fleet addition aims to lower operational costs amid fluctuating fuel prices, simplify Delta's narrowbody fleet, enhance pilot training synergies, and provide an upgraded passenger experience with new domestic first-class amenities.

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(Aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 9979) — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is betting that the fuel-saving, lower-emissions technology of their new Airbus (Euronext FR: AIR.FP) A321neo will lead to a sustainable future.

The Atlanta-based airline invited FLYING on a ferry flight Wednesday of its first A321neo—a single-aisle twin engine airliner that boasts fuel savings of 20 percent per seat and an extended range of about 500 nm, over conventional A321 models. As Delta adds this new model to its fleet, fuel efficiency has become even more critical in light of spiking jet-A prices, which can take a big bite out of any carrier’s bottom line.