Boeing Confirms Delta Orders for 49 Jets

Boeing Co. confirmed that Delta Air Lines ordered 49 jetliners worth nearly $3.1 billion in the second half of this year. The orders are part of a large-scale deal announced in March 1997, when Delta said Boeing would be its commercial jet supplier for the next 20 years. Among the planes are 14 737-800s, eight 757-200s and three extended-range 767-300ERs. The planes are to be delivered in 1999 and 2000. Since signing the pact, Atlanta-based Delta has ordered 173 aircraft from Seattle-based Boeing. Delta plans to use the new 737-800 twinjets to replace its existing Boeing 727s. The 767s will replace Delta’s retiring Lockheed L-1011s. On the NYSE, Boeing shares closed unchanged at $31.81 and Delta closed unchanged at $50.50.