“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,” Chief Executive Officer Ed
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.”
Delta’s fleet is undergoing significant renewal and
expansion to match its international and premium growth strategy in the next
decade and beyond. The new widebody entrants to the fleet will add more premium
capacity to medium and long-haul international markets while improving fuel
efficiency and margins.
"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," said Robin Hayes, Chairman and
CEO of Airbus in North America.
With today’s announcement, Delta’s A330-900 fleet
will increase to 55 aircraft, and the A350 fleet will reach 79 aircraft,
including 20 A350-1000s that Delta expects to begin receiving in early
2027.
The A350’s extended range and performance
capabilities enable Delta’s continued growth into key long-haul markets in
Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific – such as recently
launched or announced service to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh
utilizing the A350.
The A330-900 will be powered by the Rolls-Royce
Trent 7000 engine, which has flown more than four million hours, including one
million at Delta. The A350-900 will utilize the Trent XWB-84 EP engine,
providing fuel and range benefits over and above the first generation of the
engine. Delta also entered into long-term maintenance agreements with
manufacturer Rolls-Royce to service these engines.
Rob Watson, President – Civil Aerospace,
Rolls-Royce, said:
“Rolls-Royce is proud to have Delta Air Lines as
our largest partner in the Americas, and we look forward to continuing to grow
the fleet with their selection of more A330neos powered by the Trent 7000 and
A350-900s powered by the Trent XWB-84 EP - all supported by our unparalleled
TotalCare services offering. This reorder underpins our combined commitment to
reliability, durability, and customer success.”
All of Delta’s new widebody aircraft in the coming
years will feature larger premium cabins with state-of-the-art amenities that
set the experience apart, including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select and
Delta Comfort in addition to Delta Main. They will also include free in-flight
entertainment from Delta Sync seatback; free, fast in-flight Delta Sync Wi-Fi;
and premium food and beverage options. Delta continues to leverage
best-in-class joint ventures and partnerships in every region of the world to
connect customers to a broader network, deliver enhanced travel options and a
more consistent customer experience.