Boeing

Delta Air Lines, the world's largest operator of Boeing 767 airplanes, took delivery of its 100th new Boeing 767 jetliner. The airplane is a 767-400ER (extended range) model, and the sixth 767-400ER to be delivered to the airline this year. By year-end, Delta will introduce 55 new Boeing jetliners including 18 767s into its fleet.

"As one of the first airlines to put the 767 into service, Delta has quietly become the largest 767 operator in the world," said John Quinlivan, vice president and general manager of Boeing 767 program. "We want to congratulate Delta on taking delivery of its 100th 767, recognize them for being the largest 767 customer, and thank them for being a long-time Boeing customer."

In addition to the 100 new 767s Boeing has delivered to Delta, the airline also has acquired seven additional 767s from other sources.

"From a competitive advantage standpoint, the 767 is unique because there really is no competition for it," said Mac Armstrong, Delta executive vice president - operations. "There are some airplanes close in size, but when it comes to range, and when it comes to the passenger capacity and comfort, the 767 family really fits a very unique niche."

The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models - the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER - and a freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage. Boeing 767s seat from 181 passengers in a tri-class 767-200ER, up to as many as 375 passengers in a high-density charter configuration on a 767-400ER.

"All the different sizes of 767s give Delta great flexibility in the marketplace," Armstrong said. "That coupled with a common pilot type rating, which allows pilots certified to fly 767s also to fly the 757, gives us a lot of flexibility in scheduling our fleet of airplanes."

Delta also operates a fleet of 116 757s. The 757 and the 767 are the only two airplanes currently in production that share a common pilot-type rating.

Delta's newest 767 is a 767-400ER model. The airline was the launch customer for the airplane. A total of 12 767-400ERs will be delivered to Delta by year-end including two airplanes that were used in the flight-test program.

The Boeing 767-400ER features a fuselage that is 21 feet (6.43 m) longer than the 767-300ER, and carries approximately 15 percent more passengers. The additional seats reduce operating costs relative to the 767-300ER, which already offers airlines the lowest operating costs in its class.

Delta began revenue service with its fleet of 767-400ERs on Oct. 1.

"Our Boeing 767-400ERs are performing very well. We are looking forward to having 12 of these airplanes in our fleet by year-end," Armstrong said.