Delta orders more widebodies: 31 Airbus A330neo and A350 aircraft
January 28, 2026
Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 31 additional next-generation Airbus widebody aircraft, expanding and modernising its long-haul fleet. The deal covers 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s combining a new incremental order with the exercise of 10 previously secured options, while also securing a further 20 options for future widebody deliveries.
The announcement comes just two weeks after the US carrier ordered up to 60 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, underlining its determination to sustain growth momentum amid strong demand for long-haul travel.
Delta orders 31 Airbus widebody aircraft
The order further cements Delta’s long-haul strategy around Airbus widebodies, with the A330neo and A350 forming the backbone of its future international fleet.
Once delivered, Delta’s A330-900 fleet will grow to 55 aircraft, while its A350 fleet will rise to 79 jets, including 20 A350-1000s scheduled to enter service from early 2027.
Delta said the purchase remains within its previously stated capital expenditure and capacity plans. Following the latest commitments, the airline now has 232 narrowbody and 85 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in the years ahead.
Delta currently operates more than 500 Airbus aircraft across the manufacturer’s full product range, from the A220 through to the A350-900, with a further backlog of around 200 Airbus jets.
The airline said its fleet is in the midst of a major renewal and expansion programme aligned with long-term international and premium growth. It added that the additional widebodies will increase premium capacity on medium- and long-haul routes, while delivering improvements in fuel efficiency and operating margins.
More A330neos and A350s to modernise Delta’s fleet
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 km) non-stop and reduces fuel burn, carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation aircraft.
According to Delta, the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine has logged more than four million flight hours, including over a million on Delta aircraft alone.
The Airbus A350 is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) non-stop. Delta said that the A350’s extended range and performance capabilities will enable the airline’s continued growth into key long-haul markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific, with the type having recently facilitated Delta’s route launches to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh.
The A350-900 will utilise the Trent XWB-84 EP engine, providing fuel and range benefits over the first-generation engines. Additionally, Delta has entered into long-term maintenance agreements with manufacturer Rolls-Royce to service these engines.
With the combination of Rolls-Royce engines and the use of lightweight materials, Airbus states that the A350 offers a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.
At the end of December 2025, according to Airbus figures, the A350 Family had won over 1,500 orders from 67 customers, and the A330 Family had won over 1,900 orders worldwide.
Delta and Airbus outline strategy behind A330neo and A350 order
Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said the additional widebodies would support the airline’s expanding international network and premium-focused strategy.
“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 long-term growth and cost benefits for years to come.”
Airbus said the order reinforces Delta’s confidence in its twin-aisle portfolio. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president of sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft, described the deal as a validation of the A330neo and A350 platforms.
“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.”
Inside Delta’s new Airbus twin-aisle fleet and premium cabin plans
Delta said all newly delivered Airbus widebody aircraft will be configured with larger premium cabins, reflecting where the airline continues to see the strongest demand. Each aircraft will feature Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort, alongside Delta Main economy seating.
Robin Hayes, chairman and chief executive of Airbus North America, welcomed the expanded order.
“We are grateful for Delta’s continued trust in Airbus products and our people. 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.”
Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce also welcomed the deal. Rob Watson, president of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, said the company was proud to count Delta as its largest airline partner in the Americas and looked forward to supporting further fleet growth with Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft.
Delta aircraft order follows strong earnings and long-haul demand
The Airbus deal comes as Delta enters 2026 from a position of strength. Earlier this month, the airline said it expects earnings growth of around 20 per cent in 2026, following a year of strong financial performance driven by premium demand, network expansion and continued fleet renewal.
Delta reported approximately $5 billion in pre-tax profit for 2025 on record annual revenue of $58.3 billion, reinforcing its position as one of the industry’s strongest financial performers.
Fourth-quarter results were similarly robust, with revenue of around $16 billion, up by nearly $500 million year-on-year, and operating margins ahead of many global peers despite ongoing cost pressures.
The announcement also follows Delta’s recent widebody move back towards Boeing. On 13 January, the Atlanta-based carrier confirmed an order for 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with options for a further 30, marking its first order for the Dreamliner family and its first Boeing widebody purchase in decades.
Featured image: Airbus
