AerCap, Delta, GE Aerospace, and ACG announce major aircraft deals

Several major developments were announced Tuesday across the global aviation industry, underscoring ongoing efforts by airlines and leasing firms to modernize fleets and support long-term growth.

AerCap Holdings N.V.

AerCap Holdings N.V., the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, announced it has signed purchase and leaseback agreements with Virgin Atlantic for six new Airbus A330-900 aircraft. The planes will be drawn from Virgin Atlantic’s existing order book, with deliveries scheduled between the second quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2027.

Delta Air Lines

In a separate announcement, Delta Air Lines placed its first direct order with The Boeing Company for up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The initial firm order covers 30 Boeing 787-10s, with options for an additional 30. The 787-10, the longest variant of the Dreamliner family, accommodates up to 336 passengers and offers 25% lower fuel consumption than the aircraft it replaces, delivering the lowest operating cost per seat among widebody jets. Delta plans to deploy the aircraft on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes, supporting its international expansion and fleet renewal strategy.

The order increases Delta’s total Boeing commitments to 130 aircraft, including 100 Boeing 737-10s for single-aisle operations. The airline currently operates more than 460 Boeing aircraft across its network.

GE Aerospace

Supporting the engine side of the deal, GE Aerospace confirmed that Delta has selected GEnx engines to power the 30 787-10s, with options for the additional 30 aircraft. The agreement includes spare engines and long-term service support. The GEnx family has accumulated over 70 million flight hours since its 2011 introduction and currently powers two-thirds of the global 787 fleet. Delta’s existing fleet includes more than 1,300 aircraft powered by GE Aerospace and CFM International engines.

Aviation Capital Group LLC

Meanwhile, Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a leading aircraft asset manager, placed a new order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets—25 737-8s and 25 737-10s. The acquisition brings ACG’s total of 737 MAX order book to 121 aircraft, making it the largest lessor purchaser of the 737-10 variant. As of Sept. 30, ACG owns, manages, or has committed to approximately 470 aircraft, serving around 90 airlines in 50 countries.