ecomagination

In taking delivery of its first Boeing 777-200LR — a passenger plane powered by the GE90-115B jet engine — Delta Air Lines established the flagship aircraft for its new global transport offering. Thanks to the GE90-115B, the most powerful jet engine available, Delta can now fly customers nonstop to most points across Asia, India and the Middle East from its hubs in Atlanta and New York.

“We called our new Boeing 777 ‘The Delta Spirit’ to honor the many accomplishments of Delta employees worldwide,“ said Delta's President and Chief Financial Officer, Edward Bastian. “We couldn’t be prouder of our people’s dedication, and the world-class amenities of the Boeing 777-200LR, combined with the leading-edge environmental advantages of the GE90 engines, made this the perfect tribute to Delta people’s continuous pursuit to be the world’s best airline.”

The engine also enables Delta to fly more efficiently and quietly than other long-range widebodies in its fleet. The GE90-115B meets next-generation emission standards, reduces fuel consumption and meets some of the world’s most stringent airport noise requirements.

“This aircraft has been a great boost to Delta, as the additional thrust allows us to operate in more extreme weather environments, carry more payload and serve distant destinations,” said Cal Flannigan, Delta’s most senior pilot.

Its lower overall emissions are due in part to an improved combustor as compared to previous-generation technology. The combustor meets all 2008 international emissions standards with margin, including no more than 40 percent of allowable hydrocarbons. The engine is also popular with customers worldwide — nearly 1,000 have been sold, logging more than two million flight hours since entering service in 2004.