Delta to accelerate MD-88, MD-90 and Boeing 767 retirements
By Zivile Zalagenaite on 19th March 2020
Facing a significant travel demand drop and other COVID-19 pandemic-caused challenges, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian said the airline would accelerate retirements of its remaining McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and MD-90 fleets, as well as some older Boeing 767s.
In the coming months, Delta Airlines is planning to temporarily ground no less than half of its fleet, which makes up over 600 aircraft. While it is not known for how long the grounding would last, an indication could be the airline’s international flight schedule cuts. Delta is reducing its international operations by 80% over the following two to three months, as outlined in Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian memo to employees on March 18, 2020. The airline is also deferring new aircraft deliveries indefinitely, until it gains a “better clarity” on the duration and severity of the situation.
While most of the grounded 600 aircraft would likely be…