Following its very recent 787 Dreamliner deal, the Delta Airbus widebody order for 31 A330-900 and A350-900 aircraft will support its international growth efforts.
Delta Air Lines is continuing to build toward its long-haul future, announcing on Wednesday, 28 January, that it will purchase 31 additional Airbus widebody aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet renewal and international expansion strategy.
The order includes 16 Airbus A330-900s and 15 A350-900s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029. The agreement combines a new incremental order with the exercise of 10 previously held Airbus widebody options. Delta also added 20 additional widebody options for future use.
The Atlanta-based carrier says the purchase fits within its previously announced capital expenditure and capacity plans.
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.
Ed Bastian | Delta Air Lines CEO
“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,” Delta chief executive officer Ed Bastian said. “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.”
Once the deliveries are complete, Delta’s Airbus widebody fleet will include 55 A330-900s and 79 A350s, including 20 A350-1000s that are slated to begin joining the fleet in early 2027.
Widebodies for Where Delta Is Headed Next
The timing of the Airbus order is interesting, as it comes just two weeks after Delta placed a major order for up to 60 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. The Boeing order was significant because it is the carrier’s first direct widebody order from Boeing since 2008.
Together, the two deals signal how aggressively Delta is positioning itself for international growth over the next decade, particularly in premium-heavy markets.
The A350 has already become a key part of that strategy. Its long-range and performance have enabled Delta to launch new service to destinations such as Taipei (TPE), Melbourne (MEL), Hong Kong (HKG), and Riyadh (RUH), with the aircraft playing a central role in the airline’s expansion across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.
The A330-900 is expected to complement that growth, adding premium capacity on medium and long-haul international routes while offering improved fuel efficiency and operating margins compared to older widebody types.
“With today’s announcement, Delta’s A330-900 fleet will increase to 55 aircraft, and the A350 fleet will reach 79 aircraft,” the airline said in a statement.
Airbus executives welcomed the expanded partnership.
“We are grateful for Delta’s continued trust in Airbus products and our people,” said Robin Hayes, chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America. “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.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president of sales for the commercial aircraft business, added that Delta’s selection reflects confidence in the widebody family’s capabilities. “Delta’s renewed confidence in both the A330neo and the A350 is a testament to our enduring partnership and the excellence of the Airbus widebody family performance,” he said.
Engines, Cabins, and the Passenger Experience
Both aircraft types will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The A330-900 uses the Trent 7000, which has accumulated more than 4 million flight hours worldwide, including 1 million with Delta. The A350-900 will be powered by the Trent XWB-84 EP, offering improved fuel efficiency and range over earlier variants.
Delta has also entered into long-term maintenance agreements with Rolls-Royce to support the engines.
“Rolls-Royce is proud to have Delta Air Lines as our largest partner in the Americas,” said Rob Watson, president of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace. “This reorder underpins our combined commitment to reliability, durability, and customer success.”
From a passenger perspective, Delta says all new widebody aircraft entering the fleet in the coming years will feature larger premium cabins and updated onboard amenities. That includes Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main seating, along with free seatback entertainment through Delta Sync, free high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi, and upgraded food and beverage offerings.
Today, Delta operates more than 500 Airbus aircraft across every major product family, from the A220 through the A350. With the commitments announced this week, the airline now has 232 narrowbody and 85 widebody aircraft on order for future delivery.
