Delta 787 order adds momentum to Boeing’s recent wins while reshaping Delta’s long-haul fleet for the next decade.
For the first time, Delta Air Lines is bringing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into its fleet.
The Atlanta-based carrier announced on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, that it will order 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with options for up to 30 additional units. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2031.
This represents a significant shift for an airline that has leaned heavily toward Airbus for widebody growth in recent years. The 787-10 will be a new fleet type for Delta and will be used primarily on transatlantic and South American routes where capacity, efficiency, and premium demand matter most.
The decision reflects long-term planning more than short-term momentum. Delta had no widebody deliveries positioned deep into the next decade, and the 787 order provides clarity and continuity where there was previously a gap.
Why the Dreamliner Fits Delta’s Network
Delta is opting for Boeing’s largest Dreamliner variant, and the reasoning is straightforward. The 787-10 offers roughly 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the older widebodies it will replace, while delivering more capacity and stronger cargo capability. It also fits neatly between Delta’s existing Airbus A350 fleet and the aging Boeing 767s that still anchor many long-haul routes.
Delta is building the fleet for the future.
Ed Bastian | Delta CEO
Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian called the aircraft an ideal fit for the airline’s international flying, particularly across the Atlantic and into South America.
“Delta is building the fleet for the future, enhancing the customer experience, driving operational improvements, and providing steady replacements for less efficient, older aircraft in the decade to come,” said Bastian. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated, and caring service to travelers worldwide.”
The 787-10 does not have the same range or size as the A350, which helps keep operating costs in check while still offering meaningful capacity growth.
Inside the cabin, Delta plans to lean heavily into premium seating. Expect Delta One Suites, which already account for nearly half of all Delta One seats across the widebody fleet, along with expanded Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort offerings. The Dreamliner’s quieter cabin, larger windows, improved pressurization, and higher cruise altitudes all align with Delta’s push toward a more refined long-haul experience.
A Strategic Return to Boeing Widebodies
This order also signals a significant recalibration in Delta’s fleet strategy. While the airline operates Airbus A350s and has more on order, its only Boeing widebodies today are roughly 60 767s, some of which date back to the early 1980s. About 20 of those aircraft are expected to retire around 2030.
By adding the 787-10, Delta avoids relying on a single manufacturer for widebody growth and gains flexibility as global demand continues to evolve. The move complements Delta’s existing order for 100 Boeing 737-10 MAX jets, which are expected to enter service once certification is complete. Speaking of which, certification of the 737 MAX 10 is one step closer to reality this week as testing moves into the second phase. While there is still no green light in clear view, it is still progress, and any progress is good.
Delta’s Dreamliners will be powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines, continuing a partnership that spans more than six decades. Delta has also signed a long-term services agreement with GE to support the engines throughout their lifecycle.
Delta’s Financial Strength and a Timely Boost for Boeing
The Delta 787 order comes at a time of high travel demand and robust profits. The airline closed 2025 with solid momentum, reporting $63.4 billion in operating revenue and $5.8 billion in operating income for the full year. Management expects margin expansion and earnings growth to continue into 2026, providing Delta with the financial confidence to commit to long-term fleet investments without straining its capital plans.
The Dreamliner order also continues Boeing’s forward momentum. The announcement adds to a welcome string of positive developments in recent weeks and comes at a moment when the company is working to rebuild confidence, stabilize production, and move past a turbulent period.
Delta now has 232 narrowbody and 54 widebody aircraft on order, but the Dreamliner agreement matters for reasons that go beyond the count. It marks a clear return to Boeing widebodies and sets the 787-10 up as a key player in Delta’s next chapter of long-haul flying.
