"The A220 will serve as the cornerstone of our future domestic growth." Delta CEO Ed Bastian, October 26, 2018.
- First U.S. airline to take delivery of the Airbus A220, formerly known as the "Bombardier C Series."
- First U.S. airline to operate the Airbus A220.
- Delta is the largest A220 operator in the world.
In April 2016, Delta was the U.S. launch customer for the Bombardier C Series, placing an order for 75 CS100 aircraft. The more fuel-efficient mainline aircraft offered Delta added network flexibility.
Since 2009, Delta had retired 280 50-seat regional jets and more than 130 older, narrowbody aircraft, while refreshing its fleet with over 300 aircraft.
“As we reshape our fleet for the future, the innovative onboard experience of the C Series is a perfect complement for the top-notch service provided every day by Delta people,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming CEO in 2016. “These new aircraft are a solid investment, allowing us to take advantage of superior operating economics, network flexibility and best-in-class fuel performance.”
In July 2018, Airbus rebranded the Bombardier C Series as the A220, after acquiring a new majority stake in the product line. Delta accepted delivery of its first A220-100 (N101DU) on October 26, 2018.