Delta said to near jet order as planemakers scrap for deal

Delta is nearing a decision on upgrading its single-aisle fleet as four planemakers bid furiously to win the order, people familiar with the matter said. Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer are competing for the sale as the second-largest US carrier seeks to replace its McDonnell Douglas MD-88 workhorse jets for shorter domestic flights, three people said. Delta could make a decision as early as this month, two people said. The stakes are highest for Bombardier, which is still trying to land a marquee US customer for its struggling C Series jetliner. The Delta order would be the first since Ed Bastian was named in February to be the airline’s next CE. The carrier has gained a reputation as a savvy buyer of new and used aircraft under CEO Richard Anderson, who is retiring next month. Delta said in January that it was considering the C Series as the airline phases out some of its smallest jets. <br/>