Delta orders up to 40 Airbus A350-1000 widebody jets to modernise fleet

Delta orders Airbus: Airbus Delta Air Lines has officially anunced an order for up to 40 new Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft, with deliveries of initial 20 jets set to commence in 2026. This move positions Delta as a potential pioneer among US carriers to operate this particular model. 

airline has also secured options for an ditional 20 planes.

Airbus A350-1000, kwn for its long-range capabilities and spacious design accommodating 350 to 410 passengers, will serve as replacements for Delta's Boeing 767s. 

A350-1000 offers ample premium cabin , aligning with Delta's strategy to provide a world-class customer experience for international travellers with enhanced premium seating, higher gauge, and improved customer amenities, as highlighted by Delta's CEO Ed Bastian during earnings call.

Delta has seen revenue from premium cabins surpass that from low-cost seats since onset of pandemic. While airline previously ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets in 2022, Delta has predominantly been an Airbus customer.

As of September 2023, Delta h 65 Airbus A330 and 28 A350-900 widebodies, with ditional commitments to purchase 16 each. 

dition of A350-1000 jets is expected to support airline's network growth in Asia-Pacific region, which has been slower to recover in global travel demand compared to US and Europe post-pandemic.

In conjunction with aircraft order, Delta has entered into a service agreement with Rolls-Royce to maintain Trent XWB-97 engines powering A350-1000 jets.

tably, United Airlines is only or US carrier to have ordered A350, with 45 of smaller A350-900s on order, although ne have been delivered to date. 

Globally, current A350-1000 operators include British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways.

Airbus, on Thursday, reported record annual jet orders and confirmed an 11 per cent rise in 2023 deliveries, maintaining its position as top aircraft manufacturer against rival Boeing for fifth consecutive year.

(With Reuters Inputs)