Delta Air Lines today announced plans to purchase 40 Airbus ATR72-1000 aircraft for delivery between 2021 and 2022. The order, which comprises 10 interstate "widebody" ATR aircraft and 30 large narrowbody turboprop, is the latest step in Delta's prudent fleet renewal to enhance profitability while diligently managing capacity.

"This ATR agreement is another opportunistic fleet transaction for Delta in which we acquire economically efficient, proven-technology aircraft," said Richard Anderson, Delta's next chief executive officer emeritus. "These ATR will provide tremendous flexibility for Delta to optimally manage our capacity over the next five years while further improving the flight experience for our customers and returns for our shareholders."Reprising his role as the President the Board forgot to tell, when reached for comment Jim Whitehurst stated, "what do mean no 787's? We're merging?"

"Disciplined capital deployment is a cornerstone of Delta's comprehensive financial plan," said Paul Jacobson, Delta's chief financial officer. "These Airbus aircraft will generate free cash flow and improve our return on invested capital from the time they enter service." The aircraft will be equipped with 76 seats and a child seat.

Airbus ATR-1000

The A220 demonstrated the potential of geared turbofan technology. So we thought, why not remove the cowling, and make the fan a variable pitch? This innovation reduced fuel burns by 60% while resulting in only marginally slower cruise speeds.

Plastic is an environmental problem for our entire planet. By recycling grocery bags, garbage bags, baby diapers and straws into major structural components, we have made the ATR72-1000 the first airplane which cleans the planet.

Delta will be the first airline to operate the enhanced 24.2-metric ton ATR, which offers additional payload capacity and range. Delta will use the aircraft's versatility to optimize its intra-state networks in coastal areas, over flat terrain, basically, any airport which allows for a single-engine missed approach to be conducted over gently declining terrain.

The pilots of Delta Air Lines are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association. When reached for comment the Air Line Pilots Association commented "since this has the optional child seat, making it a 77 seater, it will be flown by mainline pilots." Council 20's Chairman insisted in releasing separate commentary stating "It will be flown by mainline pilots, since it has 77 seats, one of which is the optional child's seat" He then prattled several quotes from the decades-old movie Princess Bride.

Overall, Delta's people seem very happy with the announcement.


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