Delta Air Lines is considering a shopping spree for as many as 50 new wide-bodied aircraft, sparking a battle between the big two aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing.
At current prices, the order could be worth as much as $10 billion.
The carrier said it is looking to refresh the top end of its fleet with replacements for its Boeing 747-400 and 767-300 jets, some of which are aged over 20 years.
"Delta is evaluating wide-body aircraft options with a request for proposals" for up to 50 planes, a spokesperson said.
Delta has 18 next-generation Boeing 787s on order but is seen in the industry as a conservative shopper which rarely goes out and snaps up radically new aircraft.
The carrier tends to go bargain hunting when an aircraft model comes toward the end of its production cycle.
CEO Richard Anderson recently said he would continue the airline’s cautious policy of waiting for new jets to prove their worth before placing orders.
He also urged Boeing to reduce prices to compete against the much lower priced Airbus A330.
