Delta is buying Boeing 787s for the first time. Here's why United and American may feel the pressure.

Core Insights - Delta Air Lines is strategically entering the long-haul market by ordering up to 60 Boeing 787-10 planes, aiming to attract premium travelers and compete with rivals like American and United [1][2] - The new 787 aircraft will feature Delta's Delta One business class, premium economy, and standard coach, enhancing its offerings in the competitive transatlantic market [2] - Delta's President highlighted the 787's financial advantages, including improved cargo capacity and fuel efficiency, while the airline plans to grow capacity by 3% this year, focusing on premium cabins [3] Fleet Strategy - This order marks Delta's first direct purchase of the Boeing 787, indicating a shift in its long-haul fleet strategy, as it previously favored Airbus [4][5] - The 787-10 variant ordered can seat up to 336 passengers and has a range of approximately 7,300 miles, making it a suitable replacement for Delta's aging 767s [6] - The addition of the 787-10 diversifies Delta's fleet, which has been predominantly Airbus, and is expected to enhance operational efficiency on long-haul routes [5][6] Market Context - Delta's 767s primarily serve routes to Europe and South America, where the 787 is seen as an ideal addition, reflecting confidence in Boeing amid its recent challenges [7] - The announcement of the 787 order coincides with Delta's strong financial performance, reporting a net income of about $5 billion for 2025, driven by robust demand in premium and corporate travel [8][9] - Despite a 7% year-over-year decline in main-cabin ticket revenue, Delta's stock has gained approximately 6% over the past year, indicating resilience in its market position [9]