Boeing and Delta Air Lines announced the US carrier placed its first direct order for up to 60 B-787 Dreamliners to support long-haul international growth and renew the carrier's widebody fleet. 

Its purchase of 30 B-787/10 jets –with opportunity for up to 30 more of the largest 787 variant– will enable the airline's expansion and modernization plans on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes.

With more than 460 airplanes currently in service, the carrier has flown most Boeing single-aisle and widebody models across its domestic and international networks over the decades. This new widebody order further strengthens that partnership and supports US aerospace manufacturing jobs across industry's production system and supply chain.

This purchase brings Delta's firm order book to 130 airplanes, including the airline's order for 100 B-737/10 jet (see AVIONEWS). The efficiency and flexibility of the 787/10 and 737/10 will enable carrier to fly more passengers on more routes as the airline expands and diversifies its network.