Delta Air Lines will be expanding their widebody fleet, placing an order with Airbus for 20 A350-1000 widebody aircraft. Delta Air Lines currently operates 28 of the A350-900 variant. In all, Delta will eventually operate a total of 60 A350 aircraft over the next decade. Deliveries for Delta’s A350-1000s are estimated to commence in 2026
Strong Demand For The Airbus A350
Airbus has seen a large amount of orders for the A350-900 and A350-1000. In 2023, carriers across the globe have placed large orders for the A350. Turkish Airlines placed an order for 50 A350s while Air France-KLM Group placed orders for 50 A350s with options for 40 more. Delta Air Lines sees the A350-1000 as a strategic fit for their long haul strategy. The aircraft will be 20% more fuel efficient than retiring aircraft, supporting Delta’s long-term sustainability goals. “The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer.
Increased Premium Capacity
According to Delta Air Lines, the A350-1000 will have approximately 15% more premium seats compared to outgoing aircraft. The new aircraft will feature more Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select and Comfort+ seating. While no routes have been announced, there is the possibility of the aircraft providing up gauging on premium heavy routes. With a 10,000 mile range the aircraft could easily fly longer routes like North America to Asia. Routes will most likely be announced when deliveries begin around 2026.