Delta just announced that they would be adding 20 Embraer E190s and 40 new 737-900ERs to its fleet. Something that is interesting about this is that these Embraer E190s will be operated by Delta crew, which is a first as most of the other smaller planes are operated by regional carriers.

Here’s the official announcement: Delta will enter into an aircraft acquisition deal with The Boeing Co. for 20 Embraer E190 aircraft and 40 additional new 737-900ERs upon ratification of a tentative agreement covering more than 12,000 Delta pilots. The tentative agreement was approved for membership ratification today by the Delta Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The tentative agreement provides enhancements to overall pilot compensation—including base pay increases—along with a revision of the airline’s profit sharing formula beginning in 2016. Additionally, this accord would secure additional career advancement opportunities for Delta pilots while providing the airline with productivity enhancements and further fleet flexibility across the airline’s U.S. domestic system.

The MEC will put the tentative agreement out to pilots for a ratification vote. If approved, the agreement would have an amendable date of Dec. 31, 2018.

Upon ratification of the agreement, Delta will acquire 20 Boeing-held Embraer E190 aircraft previously operated by another carrier.  The E190s will enter mainline Delta service in the fourth quarter of 2016.  

“These 98-seat mainline aircraft will be flown by Delta pilots,” Anderson said. “The capability and aptitude of all Delta people has already shown that they are the best in the business at managing a diverse fleet while keeping costs in check and never compromising safety. These cost-efficient aircraft will play a key role as we strive to achieve higher returns for our shareholders, and we thank Boeing for their important partnership.”

The E190 will be deployed on U.S. domestic routes to improve the flying experience for Delta customers and continue the shift of flying away from inefficient 50-seat regional jets as part of the company’s successful upgauging strategy.  

Delta will also order an additional 40 new Boeing 737-900ERs, augmenting an existing order of the efficient and reliable aircraft to 140 in total. Delta plans to deploy these aircraft as replacements for other narrowbody aircraft scheduled to retire through 2019.

Bottom Line

I’m actually a fan of the Boeing 737-900 which I’ve flown a few times including in Economy Comfort from Seattle to Atlanta earlier this year.

However Delta adding 20 Embraer E190s which will be operated by mainline crew will be interesting, so I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this. Delta’s Embraer 190s will feature 12 First Class, 16 Delta Comfort+ and 70 Main Cabin seats.

Feel free to comment below.