Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 31 new-generation Airbus widebody aircraft, reinforcing its long-term international growth plans and deepening its relationship with Airbus.
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The order comprises 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s. Once the aircraft are delivered, Delta’s widebody Airbus fleet will grow to 55 A330neos and 79 A350s, further modernising one of the largest long-haul fleets in the United States.
Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said the aircraft would play a key role as the airline expands its global network and premium offering.
“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,” 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.”
Airbus welcomed the order as a strong endorsement of its widebody product line. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president of sales for commercial aircraft, said the A330neo and A350 were well suited to Delta’s network ambitions.
“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. “These aircraft offer the range, capacity, and premium cabin experience Delta requires to grow into new markets and connect more of the world.”
Delta currently operates more than 500 Airbus aircraft across all major product families, from the A220 to the A350-900. Its existing Airbus backlog stands at around 200 aircraft and includes the larger A350-1000.
The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and is capable of flying up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometres) non-stop. Airbus says the aircraft delivers a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn, carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs compared with previous-generation competitors.
The A350-900, Airbus’s flagship long-haul aircraft, offers a range of up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometres). Built using advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials, it is designed to deliver similar efficiency gains while setting new standards for passenger comfort. Both aircraft feature Airbus’s Airspace cabin, aimed at improving the onboard experience for passengers and crew.
Like all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo and A350 are certified to operate with up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with Airbus targeting full SAF compatibility by 2030.
By the end of December 2025, the A350 Family had secured more than 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide, while the A330 Family had attracted more than 1,900 orders.
