Delta CEO calls new Airbus, Bombardier jets exciting

Published 2:01 pm Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Delta Air Lines has dangled a 200 single-aisle jet order in front of the likes of the Boeing Co., Airbus and Bombardier.

Delta’s CEO Richard Anderson gave some indication as to his thoughts on the mega order.

Bombardier’s new aircraft will feature a Pratt & Whitney engine that’s supposed to save 20 percent on fuel. Airbus’ A320 New Engine Option aircraft will cut fuel costs by 15 percent. Delta is excited by what Bombardier and Airbus are doing, especially given rising fuel costs, Anderson said.

Boeing hasn’t announced yet what it will do with its 737. However company officials have indicated that Boeing is unlikely to follow in Airbus’ footsteps.

“They’re staying with legacy equipment, as I understand it,” Anderson told the AP. “So they’ll be in the running but their numbers are going to have to match up against the efficiencies of the next generation airplane.”

Delta’s Anderson said it could take a year to finalize an order with whichever jet maker the carrier chooses.