Delta Orders 31 Airbus Widebody Jets to Boost Long-Haul Fleet

The new order includes 16 A330-900 and 15 A350-900 aircraft, strengthening Delta's position as a major Airbus customer.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 31 next-generation Airbus widebody aircraft, consisting of 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s. The deliveries will begin in 2029 and include exercising 10 existing options and adding 20 future widebody options. This will boost Delta's A330neo fleet to 55 aircraft and its A350 fleet to 79, including 20 A350-1000s slated for early 2027 arrival.

Why it matters

This fleet investment directly supports Delta's aggressive international expansion plans, including the largest-ever transatlantic schedule in summer 2026 with over 650 weekly flights to nearly 30 European destinations, as well as new and relaunched long-haul routes to Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. The new Airbus widebody jets will enhance Delta's capabilities and elevate its premium offerings to meet rising demand on these routes.

The details

The A330-900 (A330neo) features Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, enabling nonstop flights up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 km) and reducing fuel burn, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs by 25% compared to previous-generation competitors. The A350-900, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, offers even greater range of up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) and sets benchmarks for efficiency and passenger comfort. Both models feature Airbus' Airspace cabin, delivering modern in-flight amenities for superior comfort, and support up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with Airbus aiming for 100% SAF capability by 2030.

  • Deliveries will begin in 2029.
  • Delta plans its largest-ever transatlantic schedule in summer 2026, operating over 650 weekly flights to nearly 30 European destinations.
  • New routes include Boston to Madrid and Nice, Seattle to Rome and Barcelona, and New York-JFK to Olbia (Sardinia), Porto, and Malta. Seasonal service to Catania, Sicily, returns in April 2026.
  • Nonstop service from Los Angeles to Shanghai resumed in June 2025 using A350s.
  • New long-haul routes include Salt Lake City to Seoul (June 2025), Los Angeles to Hong Kong (July 2025), and Los Angeles to Melbourne (December 2025).

The players

Delta Air Lines

A major U.S. airline and a major Airbus customer, operating more than 500 Airbus aircraft across families from the A220 to the A350-900, with a current backlog of around 200 planes.

Ed Bastian

The CEO of Delta Air Lines.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry

The Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft.

Robin Hayes

The Airbus Chairman and CEO in North America.

Airbus

A European multinational aerospace corporation and the manufacturer of the A330neo and A350 aircraft ordered by Delta.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines (aviationsourcenews.com)

“This order is a testament to our enduring partnership and the excellence of the Airbus widebody family performance.”

— Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft (aviationsourcenews.com)

“The A330neo and A350 provide the flexibility Delta needs to connect more of the world.”

— Robin Hayes, Airbus Chairman and CEO in North America (aviationsourcenews.com)

What’s next

This order will further strengthen Delta's position as a major Airbus customer and modernize its widebody capabilities to support the airline's aggressive international expansion plans.

The takeaway

Delta's latest Airbus widebody order demonstrates the carrier's commitment to enhancing its long-haul network and premium passenger experience through the acquisition of fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft that can support its ambitious global growth strategy.