Delta places order for 31 Airbus widebody jets as part of global expansion

Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 31 Airbus widebody aircraft as part of a broader fleet renewal strategy aimed at expanding its international footprint over the next decade. The order combines new commitments with the exercise of 10 existing options and adds 20 additional future widebody purchase rights.

The order comprises 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s, bringing Delta’s total commitments to 55 A330neo aircraft and 79 A350s once deliveries are complete. The total of A350s includes 20 A350-1000s, which Delta expects to begin receiving in early 2027, marking the carrier’s entry into the larger variant.

“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,” CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. “We value our long-standing partnership with Airbus, and with these widebody aircraft we will see additional operational efficiencies and long-term cost benefits in the years to come.”

.@Delta grows Airbus fleet with order for 31 additional widebody aircraft. Read more https://t.co/w5CrhUC8vk pic.twitter.com/VdC7C4GxiJ— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS) January 28, 2026 Targeting long-haul growth markets

The widebody additions support Delta’s push into key long-haul markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. The carrier has recently launched and announced services to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh using A350 equipment, routes that leverage the aircraft’s extended range capabilities.

Airbus said that the A350-900 can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles nonstop, while the A330-900 offers a range of 8,100 nautical miles. Both aircraft types deliver approximately 25% better fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation widebodies, according to Airbus specifications.

Delta’s A330-900s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, which have accumulated more than four million flight hours globally, including one million hours with Delta. The A350-900s will use the Trent XWB-84 EP variant, an enhanced version of the first-generation engine that provides additional fuel and range benefits.

The carrier has entered into long-term maintenance agreements with Rolls-Royce to service the engines. Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, noted that Delta is the manufacturer’s largest partner in the Americas.

Premium cabin focus

All incoming widebody aircraft will feature expanded premium seating configurations, including Delta One Suites in business class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta Comfort+ sections. Standard amenities will include seatback entertainment systems, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and enhanced food and beverage options.

The focus on premium seating reflects a broader shift across the airline industry as carriers chase higher-paying passengers on long-haul routes. Business and leisure travelers have shown increasing willingness to upgrade for better seats and service on flights that can stretch beyond 12 hours.

Delta works with partner airlines across multiple regions to funnel passengers onto its long-haul flights, expanding its reach beyond cities it serves directly.

Fleet composition and delivery timeline

With the new order, Delta now has 232 narrowbody and 85 widebody aircraft on its books awaiting delivery over the coming years. The airline already operates more than 500 Airbus planes, flying everything from the small A220 to the long-range A350-900.

Delta said the purchase fits within its existing spending and growth plans, though the airline didn’t reveal how much it’s paying or when exactly the planes will arrive.

Both the A330neo and A350 families are certified to operate on up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030. As of December 2025, the A350 family had accumulated more than 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide, while the A330 family had logged over 1,900 orders globally.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales, said the order reflects Delta’s confidence in the widebody family’s performance. 

“These aircraft offer the range, capacity, and premium cabin experience Delta requires to grow into new markets and connect more of the world,” he said.

The commitments position Delta to continue its international network expansion while retiring older, less efficient widebody aircraft over the coming years.

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