Delta Expands Long-Haul Fleet with 31 New Airbus Jets

• The deal expands Delta's A330-900 fleet to 55 aircraft and A350 fleet to 79 total jets, including 20 larger A350-1000s arriving in 2027
• New aircraft will serve medium and long-haul routes to destinations like Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh, configured with expanded premium cabins
• The purchase follows Delta's earlier order of 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and reflects industry-wide fleet renewal driven by strong demand for premium international travel

Delta Air Lines Expands Long-Haul Fleet with 31 Airbus Aircraft Order

Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday it will purchase 31 Airbus widebody jets to modernize its international fleet and support future growth, targeting corporate and high-income travelers. The order comprises 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s, with deliveries starting in 2029.

Key Deal Details:

• The agreement combines new orders with conversion of 10 existing options into firm purchases
• Includes options for 20 additional widebody aircraft
• Will expand Delta's A330-900 fleet to 55 aircraft and A350 fleet to 79 planes, including 20 larger A350-1000s arriving from early 2027

Strategic Context:

Delta is focusing on fuel-efficient aircraft to replace aging Boeing 767s and early-generation A330s following its 777 fleet retirement. This follows the airline's earlier order of 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for transatlantic and South American routes.

Market Implications:

The purchase reflects strong demand for premium international travel among U.S. carriers. Delta plans to deploy the new Airbus jets on medium- and long-haul routes, including recently launched services to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh. The aircraft will feature increased premium seating, which has become a significant profit driver.

CEO Ed Bastian noted that nearly all planned capacity growth focuses on premium cabins with limited main cabin expansion, with new aircraft configured accordingly. This strategy positions Delta to capitalize on resilient demand from high-value travelers while improving operational efficiency through modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

The move underscores the broader industry trend of fleet modernization and premium travel segment investment.