Delta purchases 100 Airbus aircraft

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Delta Air Lines on Thursday announced the purchase of 100 Airbus A321neo jets to update its fleet.

The deal includes the option to buy 100 additional aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2020.

Neither company revealed the value of the agreement, but USA Today reported it could be worth up to $12.7 billion.

"This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees and our shareholders," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said. "Delta, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience.

Delta will configure the A321neo jets to include 197 seats, including 20 in first class, 30 in Delta Comfort+ and 147 in the main cabin.

"The A321neo will equip Delta employees with a customer-preferred, versatile narrowbody aircraft befitting their position as a global airline leader -- and we are excited to continue to partner with them as they deliver industry-leading operational performance, customer satisfaction and financial results," said John Leahy, chief operating officer at Airbus.

USA Today said Delta had been considering upgrading its fleet with Boeing's 737 Max 10.