Delta's Aging 767 Fleet Faces High Operating Costs
The cost of operating a Boeing 767 for one hour is a significant concern for airlines. Delta Air Lines, in particular, has been considering retiring its fleet of 767s due to high operating costs. While the airline has not released official per-hour operating costs, industry data and analysis can provide some insight into the issue.
AirInsight's analysis of Form 41 filings from the Department of Transportation estimates that a Boeing 767-300ER costs around $12,520 per block hour to operate, while the larger 767-400ER runs closer to $13,350. These figures are industry benchmarks and may not reflect Delta's actual operating costs.
The cost per seat is also an important consideration. AirInsight estimates that the 767-400ER has a cost of around $22.91 per seat-hour, which is higher than newer widebodies such as the Boeing 787-10. This means that older aircraft like the 767 may be less competitive in terms of operating costs.
Delta's specific 767 configuration and operation also play a role in determining its cost per hour. The airline operates a relatively low-density cabin, which can make the aircraft's economics dependent on revenue from premium seating. Additionally, Delta's fleet is aging, and the airline uses them intensively, which may not be reflected in industry benchmarks.