Delta replacing its "mad dogs", MD-80`s - Curt Lewis

Delta Weighs Up to $12.7 Billion Order of Single-Aisle Jets

• Airbus vies with Boeing, which has been clashing with airline
• Carrier looks to remake short-haul fleet with 100-plane order

 Delta Air Lines Inc. is nearing an order for about 100 single-aisle planes, people familiar with the matter said, in a much-anticipated deal valued at as much as $12.7 billion.

The No. 2 U.S. carrier is also seeking options to buy as many as 100 more planes as it chooses between Airbus SE's A320 family of aircraft and Boeing Co.'s 737 jetliners, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. Talks are advanced and a decision, which will test Delta's strained relationship with Boeing, will probably be made before year-end, the people said.