World's largest airlines lead global market with extensive widebody fleets

Qatar Airways operates nearly all next-generation jets within its total widebody count of 199 aircraft. The airline’s current inventory features A350-900s (34), A350-1000s (24), multiple versions of the Boeing Dreamliner series, and some older models like the Boeing 777-300ER (56) and eight Airbus A380s. Qatar Airways was also recognized as the launch customer for the Airbus A350-1000. In May of 2025, Simple Flying reported on Qatar’s $96 billion order for a mix of up to 160 Boeing widebodies, which was announced during a US presidential visit to Qatar.

Delta Air Lines maintains a versatile fleet comprising both Airbus and Boeing types among its total of 176 widebodies: eleven A330-200s, thirty-one A330-300s, thirty-seven new-generation A330-900neos, thirty-eight A350-900s, thirty-nine Boeing 767-300ERs, and twenty-one Boeing 767-400ERs. Delta’s outstanding orders include twenty A350-1000s.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion. The aircraft complements our fleet and offers an elevated customer experience, with more premium seats and best-in-class amenities, as well as expanded cargo capabilities.”

Christian Scherer from Airbus added: "we are thankful for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus’ solutions to meet its fleet needs. Delta now welcomes the A350-1000, which will open even more opportunities for the airline and its customers. We are proud that our aircraft serve the entirety of Delta’s impressive global network as this stellar airline takes fleet efficiency to the next level.”

While Delta's focus remains on acquiring more narrowbody planes such as one hundred 737 MAX jets set for delivery from late 2027 onward—chosen because they can serve domestic markets efficiently—its international operations continue to rely heavily on larger widebody types.

Turkish Airlines rounds out the top five with a diverse group totaling154 widebodies including twelveA330–200sandthirty–sevenA330–300saswellastwenty–nineA350–900sandthirty–fourBoeing777–300ERsandtwenty–fourBoeing787–9aircraft.The carrier currently has limited future orders: fifteenA350–1000sand sixBoeing787–9aircraft.Turkish Airlines uses these planes extensively from Istanbul across Africa,Eurasia,andtheAmericas.

Reviews from Simple Flying contributors indicate mixed passenger experiences on Turkish Airlines' different widebody models; while some cabins are described as outdated compared with competitors', newer models like their Dreamliners offer modern amenities including advanced inflight entertainment systems.Passengers flying business class on these newer jets have found transiting through Istanbul Airport efficient and onboard comfort levels high.