US Airline Delta orders 10 Airbus A330 jets and defers 10 A350 already on order

Delta Air Lines has ordered 10 additional Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft, expanding their A330neo order book from 25 to 35 aircraft.

This latest order supports Delta’s international growth strategy in the near to medium term.

Simultaneously, Delta and Airbus have agreed to defer 10 previously ordered A350 XWBs to 2025-26 in order to accommodate the airline’s long-term growth strategy.

Delta currently operates 11 A350-900 aircraft and expects a further four in 2019-2020. Delta’s A330 fleet stands today 42 widebody aircraft.

“The A330-900 is going to be an important addition to Delta’s fleet,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian.

“Airbus has infused this next generation of the successful A330 family with new technology and features providing advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”

“Operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience are core to Delta’s successful recipe, and it speaks volumes that they have chosen the A330-900,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Delta has been endorsing the Airbus wide-body family from the outset by committing to both the A330 and the A350.

We are listening to our customers and proud to be in the position to flexibly respond to their fleet requirements for more A330s and equally appreciate the \ ongoing commitment for more A350s as part of their long-term growth strategy.”

Scherer added: “This reconfirmed endorsement by one of the world’s largest and most respected airlines validates the economic credentials of our versatile Airbus widebody family in the most advanced and competitive environments.”

Building on the proven success of its popular twin-aisle, twin-engine, widebody A330 Family, Airbus launched the A330neo programme – comprising the A330 800 and A330-900 versions