Delta is the only major US carrier not to order supersonic, EVTOL aircraft.

• Delta Air Lines is the only major US carrier not investing in Boom Supersonic’s Overture jet or eVTOL aircraft.
• “I still have more questions than answers” about Overture, CEO Ed Bastian told Fox Business.
• Travel analyst Henry Hartevelt told Insider Delta could buy the plane if it sees fit with its business strategy.

Big U.S. carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines are betting on future aircraft like supersonic jets and electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) planes, but not one carrier has yet made any investments.

On Tuesday, American Airlines announced an order for 20 of Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft, with an option for 40 more. The acquisition will make the Texas-based carrier the largest operator of the superfast aircraft.

United Airlines is another US carrier interested in Overture, with an order for 15 more in June 2021.

Meanwhile, both major carriers have invested in electric aircraft, especially EVs.

American recently placed a pre-order for 250 of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 flying taxis, while United has set aside $10 million for 100 of Archer Aviation’s “Midnight” eVTOL. United has invested in Hart Aerospace’s ES-19 electric aircraft.

While American and United are striking deals with promising startups, Delta Air Lines is the only major U.S. carrier not invested in by either. That might suggest Delta has a different vision for its future fleet, but Henry Hartevelt, travel analyst and president of Atmospheric Research Group, says that may not be the case.

Instead, he told the insider that he gives Delta “credit” for taking their time in making decisions.

“There’s an opportunity cost when an airline buys planes, and it doesn’t matter which plane it is because there’s only so much money a carrier can make to invest,” he said. “Airlines want to invest wisely to get the best return, so I don’t see any problem with Delta choosing not to order Overture or EVtools.”

There is doubt about the boom overture jet.

According to Hartevelt, Delta may decide to buy a supersonic aircraft or electric aircraft in the future, but they want to make sure the investment is compatible with its business model and network.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the aviation industry until the boom,” he said. “It doesn’t have an engine at the moment.”

Delta CEO Ed Bastian confirmed his doubts about the jet to Fox Business on Tuesday, saying, “It still has more questions than answers.”

“It’s not where we’re going to invest until we’re sure we can get a safe return from the aircraft,” he said.

Delta’s Boeing 757-200s can last 10 to 20 years inside.

Hartevelt explained that while Delta doesn’t have orders for the Overture or eVitols, it is making decisions to keep its current fleet flying longer.

Specifically, the carrier is retrofitting Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-900ER and Boeing 757-200 aircraft with Split Scimitar Winglets, made by Seattle-based Aviation Partners Boeing, to reduce carbon emissions.

Hartevelt’s inclusion of the 757 is particularly surprising.

“The 757 is a great plane, but it’s not in production right now, and there’s a lot of excitement about the future of the plane,” he said. But clearly the plane is serving an important role for Delta and they’ve found a way to keep it flying for another 10 to 20 years.

“They may not be the greenest airplanes because the engines aren’t as fuel-efficient as some of the newer generations, but Delta is pulling dozens of 757s out of the landfill,” Hartevelt continued.

Delta should not buy certain planes just because they are competitors

We could still see an order from Delta for an eVTOL or Overture in the future, Hartevelt said, adding that Delta will order if it sees fit for its business strategy. But he stressed that the carrier “shouldn’t be forced to order an aircraft just because other airlines do.”

For Delta, it makes sense to acquire the aircraft from a business perspective, from a route and network perspective, and if it makes money for the company and attracts more customers.” .”