Delta Air Lines Replaces Boeing 717 with Airbus A220

Delta Air Lines has been operating the Boeing 717 for 14 years, but the airline is now replacing them with Airbus A220 aircraft. The 717s are over 25 years old and were originally designed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1960s as part of the DC-9 family.

Delta acquired 88 of these aircraft on a long-term lease from Southwest Airlines in 2012, but they have been reducing their 717 operations in recent years. The Airbus A220 is a suitable replacement for the 717s due to its capacity and range.

The A220 has already been deployed by Delta in commercial service since 2019, with the airline receiving the first example of the type in 2018. However, delivery delays have resulted in the 717s continuing their operations. Delta currently operates 88 Airbus A220 aircraft, including 45 A220-100 and 43 A220-300 variants.