Delta generates full-year income of US$5 billion, orders new A350-1000s

Delta Air Lines (Delta) will add 20 new Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft, as it continues to refresh and streamline its fleet while improving fuel efficiency and providing a world-class in-flight experience.

Delta currently operates 28 A350-900s. Following this latest announcement, Delta has an orderbook for 36 next-gen A350 aircraft, bringing the A350 fleet to over 60 by the end of the decade. The aircraft will primarily be operated in long-haul markets and international hubs in support of Delta’s international expansion, replacing retiring planes and fuelling growth.

The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, a more powerful variant of the engine that operates on the A350-900. The aircraft are over 20% more fuel efficient than retiring planes, supporting Delta’s long-term sustainability goals.

Delta also entered into an agreement with engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce to service the XWB-97 engines.

In the fiscal year 2023, Delta reported operating revenue of US$58.0 billion and achieved an operating income of US$5.5 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 9.5 percent. The pre-tax income reached US$5.6 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 9.7 percent, and the earnings per share amounted to US$7.17. By the end of 2023, Delta had generated operating cash flow of US$6.5 billion, incurred payments on debt and finance lease obligations of US$4.1 billion and maintained total debt and finance lease obligations of US$20.1 billion. (£1.00 = US$1.27 at time of publication).