Delta Orders 20 Airbus A350-1000s for Long-Haul Routes

Updated: January 12, 2024, 12:20pm CST

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Delta Orders 20 A350-1000 Aircraft
About the Airbus A350-1000
Final Thoughts

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Delta Air Lines is bolstering its widebody fleet with an order for 20 new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

There is a lot of news to cover, so let’s dive right into it!

Delta Orders 20 A350-1000 Aircraft

Delta Air Lines announced that it ordered 20 Airbus A350-1000 wide-body jets as it seeks to “refresh” its fleet, with options for 20 additional aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2026, though an exact month was not given.

Additionally, Delta inked a deal for Rolls-Royce to service the XWB-97 engines on the aircraft.

Delta A350 at Sydney — Image Credit: Daniel Ross

“The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said. “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.”

Bottom Line:

Delta says it now has nearly 300 narrow-body and 48 wide-body aircraft on order for delivery. The airline currently operates a fleet of 28 A350-900s with plans to have more than 60 A350s by the end of the decade.

About the Airbus A350-1000

The Airbus A350-1000 has a range of up to 9,700 nautical miles and is 20% more fuel efficient than retiring planes. Delta will use the new A350-1000 primarily on long-haul and international routes, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Incheon International Airport (ICN).

This aircraft will offer 15% more premium seats than retiring aircraft, Delta says. The most premium product will be the lie-flat Delta One Suites, which are also available on the A350-900.

The next-gen aircraft will also feature Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Amenities will include Delta Studio, with 1,000 hours of free entertainment, free Wi-Fi, more overhead bin space, and ambient lighting to combat jetlag.

The older Airbus A350-900 has 2 models: the 359 model with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin, and the 35L model with Delta One, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. All A350-900 jets have onboard Wi-Fi for purchase, which is different from the A350-1000, which will offer free Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

This is pretty big news from Delta, which is adding up to 40 Airbus A350-1000 jets to its fleet. This is excellent news, particularly for long-haul travelers, who will have more options on Delta flights, plus more options to book Delta One Suites!