Delta Air Lines makes first-ever Dreamliner order for up to 60 Boeing 787-10
January 13, 2026
Delta Air Lines has placed a substantial order for Boeing widebodies, with a firm commitment for 30 of the largest Dreamliner variant plus 30 options.
It’s the first time Delta has ordered the 787, and the first widebody order for Boeing from the carrier in decades. Recent widebody orders from Delta have skewed heavily in favour of Airbus products.
“We are excited that Delta Air Lines has selected the 787-10 to join its fleet of the future,” says Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 Dreamliner’s unmatched efficiency, range, and passenger comfort make it a perfect fit for Delta’s international expansion and fleet modernisation.”
New Boeing widebodies for Delta
Deliveries of the Boeing 787-10s will begin in 2030, securing Delta a place in the production queue for the coming decade.
When Delta takes delivery of its first Dreamliner, it will have been 20 years since the carrier last received a brand-new widebody from Boeing. The last was the final 777-200 delivery in March 2010, an aircraft that has already been retired.
Delta has operated plenty of big Boeings in the past, from the 747 to the 777, and it still flies 58 elderly Boeing 767s today. The airline hasn’t said that the Dreamliners are for 767 replacement, but it seems likely that this is part of the driver, alongside general growth.
Meanwhile, Delta has been renewing its long-haul fleet with Airbus products, taking delivery of 40 A350s since 2017, and 39 A330neos, which began delivering in 20`19. It still has some 42 A330ceos as well, many of which are overdue for retirement.
What’s planned for Delta’s 787-10?
The 787-10 is the largest Boeing Dreamliner, and can fly up to 344 passengers in a single class configuration. But Delta plans to use the extra space not to pack in more passengers but to double down on its premium strategy.
The carrier says its Dreamliners will have more premium seats, including Delta One Suites, as well as more Premium Select and Delta Comfort. The airline hasn’t specified just how many more, but is leaning on these being premium-heavy aircraft when they arrive.
Delta has selected the GEnx engines from GE Aerospace to power the 787s.
“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 Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “Most importantly, these aircraft will be operated by the best aviation professionals in the industry, providing Delta’s welcoming, elevated and caring service to travellers worldwide.”
In terms of routes, Delta is pretty vague, but then, the aircraft won’t be here for another four years, so it’s understandable it might not want to commit to a particular routing just yet. The airline simply shares, “You might fly on this aircraft travelling high-demand Transatlantic and South America routes.”
Today’s order is an additional vote of confidence for Boeing, which snagged a huge order from Alaska Airlines last week and a top-up from lessor ACG this morning. It’s a good start to 2026 for the planemaker.
Featured image: Delta Air Lines
