Delta A350-1000 Delayed To 2027

Delta A350-1000 deliveries are expected to be delayed to 2027, according to the airline’s recent annual report.

For the U.S. carrier, the A350-1000 represents an aggressive but neccesary renewal of the widebody fleet and a strategic move to become more efficient and pursue premium growth.

However, since the deal was first announced, the airline has faced several delays. What’s the status in 2026?

Delta A350-1000 Order Background

Delta’s order for 20 Airbus A350-1000s was placed in January 2024, comprising 20 firm aircraft and options, marking its first commitment to the high-capacity variant.

The contract builds on the existing strong reliance on Airbus widebody aircraft, with A350-900s on order and the mid-sized A330neo already delivered.

The investment is driven by a need to build an international network and renew the fleet by replacing older aircraft with more efficient, higher-capacity alternatives.

Delta A350-1000s will not only deliver significant capacity increases across key markets but also burn 25% less fuel than the outgoing aircraft, thanks to advanced engines, composites, and other technologies, thereby slashing overall costs while remaining a proven winner.

As the airline sees stronger international demand, a deal for the A350-1000 responds to that, while also offering the carrier the chance to increase revenue per flight through additional premium opportunities.

Delivery Forecast For The Widebody

Delta has now, at the start of the year, revised its A350-1000 delivery forecast for 2026, as announced in its annual report, shifting all 20 firm aircraft deliveries.

Initially, the U.S. carrier hoped to take delivery of the first unit in 2026, with a total of four expected this year and 12 thereafter. However, what has long been known but not publicly confirmed is that this was unlikely to proceed as intended.

Delta is now confirming that the first eight A350-1000s will be delivered in 2027, with the remaining 12 in 2028. This means all 20 aircraft will arrive over two years, allowing the airline to close out the decade with 20 A350-1000s in its fleet, unless it increases its firm commitment.

The adjustment to the A350-1000 deal is part of broader fleet adjustments, which also include the 737 MAX 10, which will see deliveries in 2027 instead of the previously expected 2026. This, however, stems primarily from certification delays.

Delta pushing the A350-1000 back isn’t entirely a new development, with CEO Ed Bastian and other senior executives hinting at delays and unexpected supply hurdles as it continues to face strain on manufacturers.

What Will The A350-1000 Bring To Delta?

Once delivered, the Airbus A350-1000 will transform Delta’s operations, become its largest widebody aircraft, and support some of its long-haul flagship routes.

Whether it’s carving out new routes or filling the gap left by the 767 and A330 with a higher-capacity jet and higher-premium configuration, the jet is expected to give Delta greater flexibility.

From a commonality standpoint, with the A350-900 already present in the airline’s operation, the -1000 is expected to slot nicely into the fleet mix.

From a customer perspective, with more premium seating options thanks to the stretched fuselage, configurations are yet to be confirmed. Still, the additional space over the existing outgoing aircraft will be significant.