Delta Orders 20 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft in $7.4B Deal

Delta Air Lines has placed a significant order for 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the carrier announced this morning. The deal, valued at approximately $7.4 billion at list prices, represents Delta’s continued commitment to fleet modernization.

Fleet Expansion

The A350-1000 is the largest variant of Airbus’s wide-body family and will enable Delta to expand its long-haul international network. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with all aircraft expected to enter service by 2032.

“The A350-1000 will help us reach new markets and deliver an exceptional premium experience,” said Delta’s CEO in a statement.

Passenger Experience

Delta plans to configure the aircraft with approximately 350 seats across four cabin classes, including its Delta One suite, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin. The airline highlighted the A350’s fuel efficiency and quieter cabin as key factors in the selection.

Industry Context

The order comes as airlines globally continue investing in next-generation wide-body aircraft to replace aging fleets and reduce operating costs. The A350-1000 offers 25% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Delta currently operates A350-900 aircraft on premium routes to Europe and Asia, and the larger -1000 variant will complement these operations on the carrier’s highest-demand routes.

Airbus shares rose 2.3% on the news, reflecting investor confidence in the manufacturer’s competitive position in the wide-body market.