SkyTeam carrier Delta Air Lines is expanding its use of Airbus widebody aircraft for both international and domestic routes. The airline currently operates 38 A350-900s and expects six more to join its fleet. According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, Delta has deployed the A350 on two domestic routes: Atlanta to Salt Lake City and Detroit to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Delta is the only North American airline operating the Airbus A350, which was initially chosen to replace its aging Boeing 747s. With a fleet of over 900 aircraft, Delta is one of the largest commercial airlines by fleet size globally.
The Airbus A350-900, known as the 'Long Range Leader,' offers a range of up to 8,500 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 440 passengers in a single-class configuration. Most airlines, including Delta, opt for a three-class layout. For domestic operations this August, Delta's A350s are configured to carry 306 passengers across business class, premium economy, and economy.