Delta is poised to open a new widebody pilot base in the coming months. The Atlanta-based airline continues to deploy its A350s in Asia-Pacific markets, replacing the A330.
According to various sources – including aviation insider JonNYC – the carrier is set to open an Airbus A350 pilot base in Seattle. Positions for the new widebody base will be open as early as this month, Delta told pilots in a memo.
In terms of widebody aircraft, the airline currently offers an A330 base in Seattle. Other A350 bases include Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Detroit.
An airline spokesperson did not immediately respond to AirlineGeeks’ request for comment on the new base.
Delta continues to shift much of its Asia-Pacific network to A350 operations. The carrier began deploying A350s on regularly scheduled flights from Seattle in March.
Currently, the A350 operates a handful of routes from Seattle, including to Tokyo Haneda, Taipei, and Seoul Incheon, replacing the A330-900neo.
The carrier’s plan to open an A350 pilot base in Seattle comes as Delta’s rival, Alaska Airlines, bolsters its long-haul presence with new flights to Tokyo Narita, Seoul Incheon, and Rome.
