Delta Air Lines orders 40 Airbus jets

Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday an order for 40 aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus, including 10 wide-body A330-300s and 30 narrow-body A321s. Delta said the new aircraft, to be delivered over the 2015-2017 period, are part of an effort to renew the US airline's fleet with a focus on enhancing profitability and keeping a close rein on capacity. "This Airbus agreement is another opportunistic fleet transaction for Delta in which we acquire economically efficient, proven-technology aircraft," Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive, said in a statement. "These A330s and A321s will provide tremendous flexibility for Delta to optimally manage our capacity over the next five years while further improving the flight experience for our customers and returns for our shareholders." The value of the deal at official catalog prices is around $5.6 billion.