Delta Air Lines has ordered 20 A350-1000 aircraft, a new type for the American carrier’s fleet.
“The A350-1000 will be the largest, most capable aircraft in Delta’s fleet and is an important step forward for our international expansion,” commented Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. The larger A350 variant will complement the A350-900 already in service with the carrier since October 2017.
“Delta was the first US airline to operate the A350-900, and is doing so with great success,” said Christian Scherer, chief executive officer of the commercial aircraft business, Airbus. He added that the new aircraft will open “even more opportunities” across Delta’s “impressive global network”.
The A350-1000 can accommodate between 350 and 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, states the manufacturer, offering 40% more area for premium-category seating. (With a seven metre shorter fuselage, the A350-900 variant typically carries 300-500 passengers). The A350-100 is also capable of ranges up to 8,700 nm.
The new addition will also offer “an elevated customer experience, with more premium seats and best-in-class amenities, as well as expanded cargo capabilities,” added Bastian.