Northwest had developed extensive routes between cities like Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai using the 747-400. When Delta merged with Northwest, it did not have any other aircraft with similar range and capacity; its largest plane at that time was the smaller Boeing 777-200ER. As a result, keeping the 747s was necessary to support existing schedules at busy airports such as Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon.
The merger also provided Delta with experienced crews and support infrastructure for operating the 747s. For several years after joining forces with Northwest, strong cargo demand across the Pacific made it financially sensible to continue using these large jets despite their higher fuel consumption.
Doug Steenland, then CEO of Northwest Airlines, commented on the merger:
“Today’s announcement is exciting for Northwest and its employees. The new carrier will offer superior route diversity across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia and will be better able to overcome the industry’s boom-and-bust cycles. The airline will also be better able to match the right planes with the right routes, making transportation more efficient across our entire network. In short, combining the Northwest and Delta networks will allow the strengthened airline to realize its full global potential and invest in its future.”
In response to changing market conditions and rising fuel prices in 2008, Delta began seeking more efficient aircraft for long-haul operations. By 2014, it had placed orders for Airbus A350-900s—aircraft capable of flying similar missions while consuming about a quarter less fuel than their predecessors.
The retirement of Delta’s last Boeing 747 came after several commemorative flights in late 2017 before being sent to storage in early 2018. During its final journey to Marana, Arizona—a trip covered by CNN—flight attendant Stephanie Nielson addressed passengers:
“We’d like to welcome you to the boneyard. Now we say farewell to the queen, the last queen, it’s her last voyage, her last touch down.”
The introduction of Airbus A350-900s marked a new era for Delta’s long-haul fleet as these aircraft offered modern amenities alongside improved efficiency due largely to advanced engines and lightweight materials. Though they carried fewer passengers than their double-decker predecessor—accommodating around 306 travelers—the A350 provided lower operating costs and enabled Delta to launch new international routes.
Delta expanded its A350 fleet by acquiring additional airframes from LATAM Airlines following a $3 billion agreement in 2020. This move helped retire older planes like certain Boeing 767 models while strengthening partnerships across North and South America.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines said:
"This transformative partnership with LATAM will bring together our leading global brands, enabling us to provide the very best service and reliability for travelers to, from and throughout the Americas. Our people, customers, owners and communities will all benefit from this exciting platform for future growth."
As of October 2025 information sourced from Planespotters.net shows that Delta operates a fleet of thirty-eight A350s—with plans underway for even further expansion through orders placed for twenty larger A350-1000 variants amid ongoing trade disputes affecting delivery timelines.
Today one notable former Boeing 747 remains preserved at Atlanta as part of Delta's historical collection; this particular jet served as both test bed equipment during development phases—and stands as a reminder of an era when four-engine jumbo jets dominated international travel.
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