Delta Air Lines relies on Airbus A350 as fastest jet in current fleet

The A350’s long range enables Delta to operate more ultra-long-haul routes efficiently. The model has proven valuable for Delta's operations in Asia and supports premium offerings like the Delta One Suite business class product.

Since its introduction in 2015 with Qatar Airways as the launch customer, over 600 A350s have been delivered worldwide. The A350 was developed by Airbus as a direct competitor to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and sits between the Dreamliner and Boeing’s forthcoming 777X in terms of capacity.

Delta currently operates a fleet of A350-900s and has placed an order for 20 larger A350-1000 variants with options for an additional 20 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. The new jets will become the largest aircraft in Delta's fleet and are expected to increase capacity on key international routes.

Despite using the same wing design as the A350-900, the A350-1000 features larger Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and a longer fuselage that allows it to carry more fuel while maintaining cruising speed.

Airbus continues to anticipate delivering up to 820 aircraft by late 2025 but faces uncertainty due to US-imposed tariffs on European goods. CEO Guillaume Faury commented: “I want to believe that the end game will be these tariffs on civil aerospace goods going back to zero. When and how remains to be seen.” Recently reported by Reuters, a framework deal may exempt aerospace products from proposed tariffs following temporary agreements between US and EU authorities (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-eu-close-deal-exempt-aircraft-tariffs-2025-04-18/).

Tariffs have increased costs for parts used at Airbus’s Alabama assembly facility, affecting American clients such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. In response, Airbus has offered alternatives including covering cost differences or delivering planes via overseas bases operated by airlines.

The Airbus A350 is produced at Toulouse, France. As of February 20, 2018—the date of first delivery—613 units had been delivered globally.

“I want to believe that the end game will be these tariffs on civil aerospace goods going back to zero. When and how remains to be seen,” said Guillaume Faury.