Delta has ordered 31 new Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet renewal and network expansion strategy.
The carrier said Tuesday that it committed to purchasing 16 more A330-900s and 15 more A350-900s, with options for 20 additional widebody aircraft.
Deliveries are set to begin in 2029.
Delta leaders said the new airplanes will enable growth in long-haul markets such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. Recently announced and launched routes to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh are using or will use A350s.
The new jets are also expected to help expand premium capacity, an increasingly important revenue channel for the airline.
“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,” CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. “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.”
The A330-900s will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, while the A350-900s will utilize the Trent XWB-84 EP. Delta said it entered into a long-term maintenance agreement with Rolls-Royce to service the engines.
With this week’s orders, Delta’s A330-900 fleet will increase to 55 aircraft, officials said, and the A350 fleet will reach 79 aircraft, including 20 A350-1000s that the airline expects to begin receiving in early 2027.
