Insider Leak Says Delta's Boeing 717 Retirements Are Starting -- And A New Airbus Or Boeing Order Could Be Next

Delta’s Boeing 717 retirements appear to be starting, according to an aviation watchdog report tied to a rumor, with potential follow-on orders for Airbus or Boeing. JonNYC cited a post on Airliners.net saying Delta is preparing to retire some 717s as six aircraft reach their “heavy checks,” choosing not to fund the required maintenance. Delta operates 80 Boeing 717s averaging 24.5 years, configured with 110 seats and limited cabin entertainment; the fleet is powered by Rolls-Royce BR715 engines. The 717 has a limited parts and overhaul ecosystem and has been out of production for about 20 years, with only 156 built. Currently, Delta flies the type alongside Alaska (19) and Hawaiian. QantasLink retired its last 717 in December 2024, replacing 20 with Airbus A220s, highlighting competitive fleet modernization. The timing and scale could also affect used-engine availability for Alaska if 737-800 replacements proceed.