Delta to buy two jets to expand overseas fleet

Delta Air Lines is adding two more long-range jets in 2008 and 2009 to fuel its overseas expansion.

The airline said it is exercising options to buy two long-range versions of the Boeing 777, a wide-body jet that typically seats about 270 passengers.

With the move, disclosed in a securities filing Wednesday, Delta has eight of the big jets on order for delivery through 2009. That will double the airline's current fleet of eight 777s.

Delta didn't say how much it's paying for the additional planes. Boeing lists the price range for its long-range 777s as up to $257 million per plane, but airlines typically negotiate substantial discounts for large orders.

Delta, which emerged from bankruptcy a little over four months ago, has been adding dozens of overseas routes in recent years to decrease its reliance on domestic flying, where it has faced heavy competition from discount carriers.

Also on Wednesday, Delta announced new nonstop routes between Atlanta and two Caribbean destinations, Bonaire and St. Kitts. The Saturday-only flights begin in February.