Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 20 Airbus A350-1000s, becoming the first US airline to order the aircraft type. This agreement also includes options for an additional 20 Airbus wide-body aircraft.
Delta’s A350-1000s will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, a more powerful variant of the engine that operates on the A350-900. It has already entered into an agreement with Rolls Royce to service the XWB-97 engines.
The first of these A350-1000s is expected to join Delta’s fleet in 2026. The aircraft will primarily be deployed in long-haul markets and international hubs in support of the carrier’s international expansion. This will also assist the Atlanta-based carrier in replacing retiring planes and providing growth.
“The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion.”
Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer
“The aircraft complements our fleet and offers an elevated customer experience, with more premium seats and best-in-class amenities, as well as expanded cargo capabilities,” the statement continued.
This new flagship aircraft will feature 15% more premium seats than the outgoing fleet, including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, and Delta Comfort+ in addition to the Main Cabin.
“We are thankful for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus’ solutions to meet its fleet needs. Delta now welcomes the A350-1000, which will open even more opportunities for the airline and its customers. We are proud that our aircraft serve the entirety of Delta’s impressive global network as this stellar airline takes fleet efficiency to the next level.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft Business, Airbus.
Delta currently operates 28 A350-900s. Following today’s announcement, Delta has an order book for 36 A350 aircraft, bringing the A350 fleet to over 60 by the end of the decade.
As of now, Delta operates more than 450 Airbus aircraft from all of the Airbus product families from the A220 to the A350-900, with more than 300 additional on order. It has 284 narrowbody and 48 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in the coming years.