Delta grows Airbus widebody fleet with new order

Delta will add 31 additional next-generation Airbus widebody aircraft to its fleet, an investment that will fuel international growth and accelerate fleet renewal in the years to come. The announcement combines a new, incremental order with the exercise of 10 options and adds 20 additional future widebody options. 

“As we grow our international footprint and prepare our fleet to serve expanded long-haul markets, these aircraft will enhance our capabilities and elevate our premium offerings,” Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said. “We value our long-standing partnership with Airbus, and with these widebody aircraft we will see long-term growth and cost benefits for years to come.”  

Delta’s fleet is undergoing significant renewal and expansion to match its international and premium growth strategy in the next decade and beyond. The new widebody entrants to the fleet will add more premium capacity to medium and long-haul international markets while improving fuel efficiency and margins.

"We are grateful for Delta’s continued trust in Airbus products and our people. It is a privilege to power their global growth with the A330neo and A350, providing the flexibility and performance Delta needs to connect more of the world," said Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America. 

With today’s announcement, Delta’s A330-900 fleet will increase to 55 aircraft, and the A350 fleet will reach 79 aircraft, including 20 A350-1000s that Delta expects to begin receiving in early 2027. 

The A350’s extended range and performance capabilities enable Delta’s continued growth into key long-haul markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific – such as recently launched or announced service to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh utilizing the A350. 

The A330-900 will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which has flown more than four million hours, including one million at Delta. The A350-900 will utilize the Trent XWB-84 EP engine, providing fuel and range benefits over and above the first generation of the engine. Delta also entered into long-term maintenance agreements with manufacturer Rolls-Royce to service these engines. 

Rob Watson, President – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: 

“Rolls-Royce is proud to have Delta Air Lines as our largest partner in the Americas, and we look forward to continuing to grow the fleet with their selection of more A330neos powered by the Trent 7000 and A350-900s powered by the Trent XWB-84 EP - all supported by our unparalleled TotalCare services offering. This reorder underpins our combined commitment to reliability, durability, and customer success.” 

All of Delta’s new widebody aircraft in the coming years will feature larger premium cabins with state-of-the-art amenities that set the experience apart, including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort in addition to Delta Main. They will also include free in-flight entertainment from Delta Sync seatback; free, fast in-flight Delta Sync Wi-Fi; and premium food and beverage options. Delta continues to leverage best-in-class joint ventures and partnerships in every region of the world to connect customers to a broader network, deliver enhanced travel options and a more consistent customer experience. 

The order is within Delta’s previously announced capital expenditure and capacity targets. With the commitments announced today, Delta has 232 narrowbody and 85 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in coming years.