Delta expands long-haul fleet with Airbus wide-body order

Delta Air Lines has confirmed a significant new aircraft order with Airbus, reinforcing its long-term strategy to expand international operations and modernise its long-haul fleet. The airline has placed a firm order for 31 next-generation wide-body aircraft, made up of 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s. Once these aircraft are delivered, Delta’s wide-body fleet will have grown substantially, reaching 55 A330neo aircraft and 79 A350s.

The move highlights Delta’s focus on strengthening its global footprint while enhancing the onboard experience for premium and long-haul travellers. Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said the aircraft will support the airline’s ambitions to serve expanded long-haul markets, while also delivering improved operational performance and long-term cost efficiencies.

Airbus also welcomed the deal as evidence of Delta’s confidence in its wide-body portfolio. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, described the renewed commitment as a reflection of the strong partnership between the two companies. He noted that both aircraft types offer the range, capacity and cabin quality Delta needs to connect more global destinations.

Delta is already one of Airbus’ largest airline customers, operating more than 500 Airbus aircraft across the full product family, from the A220 to the A350-900. In addition, Delta’s current Airbus backlog stands at around 200 aircraft, including the larger A350-1000 model.

The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, is capable of flying up to 8,100 nautical miles non-stop and offers around a 25% reduction in fuel burn, emissions and operating costs compared with earlier-generation competitors. The A350, Airbus’s most modern widebody, can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles and is designed with advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials and efficient engines to deliver improved sustainability, comfort and long-range performance.