Delta will stop flying MD-88 aircraft on a scheduled basis at New York's LaGuardia Airport effective March 2. The airline will instead fly existing MD-88 routes on a mix of quieter, more fuel-efficient Airbus A320 family aircraft, Boeing 737s and a limited number of MD-90 mainline aircraft, minimizing environmental impact at the busy airport and reducing overflight noise for millions of nearby residents.
"We're committed to providing our customers an exceptional flying experience when travelling through New York airports while also considering our responsibility to the communities where we live and serve," said Henry Kuykendall, Delta's Vice President – New York. "Delta flights on quieter, more efficient and larger aircraft are good for the community and will also support NextGen initiatives around more fuel-efficient GPS routes in New York airspace, the most congested in the world."
As New York's No. 1 airline, Delta's removal of the roughly 30 daily scheduled MD-88 departures from LaGuardia underscores its commitment to travellers flying through the primarily business-focused airport. Later this year, Delta service between Atlanta and LaGuardia will fly on larger-gauge Airbus A320s and Boeing 737-900ERs, which feature all-new, modern interiors with large, sculpted overhead bins and, on the Boeing 737-900ER, seat-back in-flight entertainment.
"We welcome Delta Air Lines' positive and responsive decision to retire these aircraft, which will provide some much-needed noise relief to all nearby neighborhoods," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. "Delta's commitment to updating its fleet at LaGuardia is a very helpful step toward improving environmental and quality-of-life issues. Newer and quieter aircraft bring benefits not only to Delta and the flying public but also to the communities surrounding LaGuardia."
Delta expects to take delivery of more than 50 new aircraft this year, including Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A321s, A330-300s and the Airbus A350, the airline's international flagship. In 2018, Delta is scheduled to take delivery of the Bombardier CS100. All aircraft feature state-of-the-art efficiency and engine decibel performance. Delta will redeploy MD-88 flying at its other U.S. hubs.
Building on the more than $2 billion Delta has invested in New York airports over the past seven years, the airline recently announced its plans to redevelop its terminals at LaGuardia as part of a broader plan to redesign and rebuild the facility.
As New York's No. 1 airline, Delta's removal of the roughly 30 daily scheduled MD-88 departures from LaGuardia underscores its commitment to travellers flying through the primarily business-focused airport. Later this year, Delta service between Atlanta and LaGuardia will fly on larger-gauge Airbus A320s and Boeing 737-900ERs, which feature all-new, modern interiors with large, sculpted overhead bins and, on the Boeing 737-900ER, seat-back in-flight entertainment.
"We welcome Delta Air Lines' positive and responsive decision to retire these aircraft, which will provide some much-needed noise relief to all nearby neighborhoods," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. "Delta's commitment to updating its fleet at LaGuardia is a very helpful step toward improving environmental and quality-of-life issues. Newer and quieter aircraft bring benefits not only to Delta and the flying public but also to the communities surrounding LaGuardia."
Delta expects to take delivery of more than 50 new aircraft this year, including Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A321s, A330-300s and the Airbus A350, the airline's international flagship. In 2018, Delta is scheduled to take delivery of the Bombardier CS100. All aircraft feature state-of-the-art efficiency and engine decibel performance. Delta will redeploy MD-88 flying at its other U.S. hubs.
Building on the more than $2 billion Delta has invested in New York airports over the past seven years, the airline recently announced its plans to redevelop its terminals at LaGuardia as part of a broader plan to redesign and rebuild the facility.