Delta Air Lines will operate its last scheduled Boeing 777 flight on October 31st: flight 8807 from New York to Los Angeles. The Airline has just confirmed this to American media. The Corona crisis means that the Boeing 777 fleet is no longer needed.
The news that Delta is saying goodbye to the eighteen Triple Sevens (ten 777-200LRs and eight 777-200ERs) was already reported by the airline this spring, but when exactly was not known at that time. Delta only indicated that it would be before the end of 2020.
“Our Airbus A330s and A350-900s, which are more economical and cost-effective, will operate the long-haul flights when international demand return”.
CEO Ed Bastian wrote to his staff at the time. He called phasing out the 777s a difficult decision.
Delta’s Triple Sevens were beloved by passengers because Delta was one of the few airlines to keep the 3-3-3 configuration in Economy Class. Almost all airlines opted to change the cabin configuration to a tighter 3-4-3. Moreover, the aircraft were recently provided with a new interior.
The 777 is not the only type to retire early due to the crisis. Delta recently said goodbye to the MD-88, MD-90 and Boeing 737-700. At the end of September, it was also announced that the Bombardier CRJ200, Boeing 717-200 and 767-300ER will also have to be retired earlier than planned.