ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines plans to put the Airbus A350-1000 into commercial service in 2026, ending the type’s absence from U.S. skies and expanding the carrier’s arsenal of next-generation wide-bodies. The move will originate from Atlanta, Delta’s hometown hub, and is poised to transform the way Americans fly long-haul.
The First A350-1000 Based in North America
Once deliveries begin in 2026, Delta will become the inaugural North American operator of the stretched A350, according to fleet data compiled by ch-aviation. The airline has firm 20 orders and secured options for 20 additional air frames. Those jets will join 38 A350-900s already in use, with six more of the smaller variant on the way.
Why Delta Picked the Extra-Long Airbus
In a January 2023 statement announcing the purchase, Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian called the acquisition an “important step forward for our international expansion.” In Delta’s configuration, more than half of each A350-1000’s cabin is expected to feature premium seating—a key draw for corporate travelers and high-spend leisure flyers.
What Makes the A350-1000 Different
- Size: At 242 ft 1 in long, the -1000 is 23 ft longer than the -900, creating space for roughly 40 extra passengers in a standard layout.
- Engines: The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines produce up to 97,000 lb of thrust, providing the aircraft with ample power for heavy takeoffs.
- Range: The jet’s 7,970-nautical-mile reach is slightly shorter than the -900’s 8,100-nm capability, but the added seats boost overall per-flight revenue potential.
- Commonality: Pilots can fly both the -900 and -1000 on a single type rating, simplifying crew scheduling.
Route Possibilities for U.S. Travelers
Delta has not yet published city-pair specifics, but aviation insiders expect the A350-1000 to appear on “hot” trunk routes such as:
- Atlanta–Johannesburg, where extra seats can absorb strong business and VFR demand.
- New York–Tokyo is a corridor that rewards premium-heavy cabins.
- Los Angeles–Sydney, where cargo capacity matters almost as much as passengers.
The carrier also operates from international hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Boston, any of which could see the upgraded jet depending on slot availability and seasonal demand shifts.
How Delta’s Rivals Compare
Neither American Airlines nor United Airlines has committed to the A350-1000. American continues to rely on an all-Boeing wide-body roster: 47 777-200ERs, 20 777-300ERs, 37 787- 8s, and 26 787-9s. United, meanwhile, holds orders for 45 A350-900s but has deferred deliveries until 2030. Until then, its long-haul fleet will remain centered on the 767, 777, and 787 families.
Global Context
Across the world, 643 A350s fly for more than 40 airlines. Singapore Airlines tops the list with 65 A350-900s, including seven ultra-long-range variants used for nonstop New York flights. Qatar Airways leads the A350-1000 club with 24 aircraft.
Cabin Trends Travelers Should Watch
Airbus is pitching new first-class concepts for the A-1000, including a 1-1-1 “master suite” featuring a double bed, a bar, and a private lavatory. Whether Delta adopts that design remains unknown, but the airline has signaled that premium seating will occupy the majority of each cabin.
Environmental Angle
The A350-1000’s composite airframe and fuel-efficient engines are central to Delta’s emissions strategy. According to the manufacturer, the jet burns up to 25 percent less fuel than previous-generation large aircraft, an advantage that may help Delta inch closer to its sustainability targets.
Tips for Travelers
- Book early: High-profile inaugural flights often sell out within hours.
- Check seat maps: Delta is expected to deploy its latest Delta One Suites and Premium Select cabins on the -1000; verify layouts before locking in an upgrade.
- Mind seasonal shifts: The aircraft is likely to move between routes based on northern versus southern-hemisphere peak periods.
- Frequent-flier sweet spots: SkyMiles members should monitor flash sales shortly after schedules load—Delta sometimes releases discounted awards to generate buzz for new aircraft.
Fast Facts: Airbus A350-1000
- Length: 242 ft 1 in (73.8 m)
- Wingspan: 212 ft 5 in (64.7 m)
- Height: 56 ft 0 in (17.1 m)
- Maximum range: 7,970 nm
- Engine thrust: 97,000 lb per Trent XWB-97
FAQ
When will passengers first see the jet on Delta?
Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2026; entry-into-service dates will depend on certification and crew training.
How many A350-1000s has Delta ordered?
20 firm, with options for 20 more.
Will the aircraft replace older types?
Yes. Delta intends to retire aging wide-bodies, including the 767-300ER, by the decade’s end.
Does the A-1000 offer better comfort than the current jets?
Expect lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, larger windows, and quieter cabins, all hallmarks of the A350 family.
For long-haul travelers based in the United States, Delta’s decision means more nonstops, fresher cabins, and potentially lower emissions per seat. Keep an eye on schedule updates in 2025 and 2026—the A350-1000’s rollout promises to be one of the next big moments in U.S. commercial aviation.
