Amid the Covid-19 crisis, many airlines need to adapt to be able to survive in the long term. For instance by temporarily stopping certain routes. Some airlines also choose to phase out older aircraft in an attempt to save costs. Recently, Lufthansa made such a decision regarding their Airbus A380s. Delta joins Lufthansa by saying goodbye to their Boeing 777 fleet.
Delta Boeing 777
Delta’s Boeing 777-200 aircraft have been an important element of the airline’s fleet. Next to passenger flights, the aircraft can transport postal mail and medical freight. In the previous weeks the aircraft operated repatriation flights for US citizens from Sydney, Mumbai, Manila and other cities around the world.
Fleet modernization
Delta set the ambition renew its fleet earlier, but the airline now accelerates by phasing out the Boeing 777 by the end of the year. In total, 19 Boeing 777-200s will be gone in 2021. The airline operates both the Boeing 777-200LR and -200ER. Last month, the airline also announced to accelerate the phase out of the MD-88 and MD-90.
“The 777 has been a reliable part of Delta’s success since it joined the fleet in 1999 and because of its unique operating characteristics, opened new non-stop, ultra-long-haul markets that only it could fly at that time.”
Gil West, Delta’s Chief Operating Officer
The Boeing 777-200 started service in 1999. It grew to 18 aircraft, including 10 of the long-range 777-200LR type, which arrived in 2008. At the time, the B777-200 was scheduled to fly non-stop between Atlanta and Johannesburg, South Africa, Los Angeles to Sydney and other distant destinations.
The new era of aviation
The consequences of the Covid-19 crisis are significant from every perspective. Let’s be clear: many people are affected and some face serious consequences. It is anyone’s priority to stop the spread of the virus and let as many people recovery as possible.
The consequences for the aviation industry are also very serious. Not only Delta, but many airlines need to change their strategies in order to survive. Some may never take off again. Saving costs to survive is key. Good for fleet modernisation, but the industry may also loose some of its icons. Think of the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380, their future is definitely not certain. When the crisis is over, we will see what remains.
This is really unfortunate. Delta’s 777 aircraft are by far the best in the fleet for long-range passenger comfort. There were numerous places to stand/stretch and the galleys were big. The interior design of the A350s SUUUCKS! There is no room to stand anywhere in the plane where you are not in someone’s way, and the galleys are tiny. Every flight attendant I’ve spoken to gripes about this. If the A350 is Delta’s future, they need to “reimagine” the interior layout.
if they are changing to modern planes after the virus is done.the grave yards will be full.A 380 is still a good plane and could last longer.747 at 50 yrs old are still revelant as they keep getting updated.it will be a shame when they dissappear
Hello, Jeff,
I total agree with you I spent the year enjoying my flight on that aircraft and I enjoyed the design
thanks for the update nice to see some is sad to see our 777 go.