I have long liked how Delta (and Northwest originally) has focused on its aircraft according to both operational and capital costs.  The result of their ongoing analysis has found them keeping DC-9s (now due to leave definitively) far longer than other airlines as well as buying up MD-90s because not only do they suit their routes, their extremely cost effective to acquire and operate. 

I like the approach because they continue to analyze their costs with all available context and for both near and long term needs and adjust their approach with more granular control that most airlines ever consider exercising.  When it makes sense, they make a move.  In the case of the 757s that the recent 737-900ER order will replace, you can have confidence that that kind of analysis was done before ever issuing an RFP.

Not only does this make Delta a “smart” airline, it also signals to shareholders that a fiduciary responsibility is being kept in mind that is both healthy for the airline and healthy for the investor.  It’s an extremely rare attitude of “let’s run an airline that earn a consistent profit.”  After all, why be in business if you can’t do that?

Filed under: Airline Fleets by ajax