Delta Eyes Major Airbus Order

According to Bloomberg, Delta is reportedly eyeing a significant commitment for aircraft from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The deal, consisting of widebody aircraft, is rumoured to involve the A330neo and A350, both aircraft that Delta already operates extensively, and they may just be looking to add to that.

Such discussions aren’t the first being heard. Last year, insiders noted that Delta was close to a deal with the A350-1000. While no variant has been mentioned in such a deal this time, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that the commitment may be related.

The A350-1000 has long been a variant with Delta’s name attached, given the capabilities of the largest variant in the A350 family on high-density routes for Delta. However, paired with the A350-900, it could be a force to be reckoned with, and would see them as the only U.S operator of the A350-1000.

Delta currently operates a staggering 800+ aircraft. Included in that are 21 in-service A330-900s and 25 in-service A350-900s too. These aircraft have ultimately become the backbone of their widebody operations following the retirement of the 777 during the pandemic.

Despite the A350s and A330s, their fleet of 767s remains the crucial workhorse keeping the operations moving. However, as these only continue to age and exit strategies are discussed, the company must look towards more efficient planes that can propel it forward for decades. While many wish that aircraft would be the 767, it ultimately cannot.