Delta's First A350-1000 Spotted in Airline Livery
The aircraft, photographed at Airbus' Toulouse site, is the first of 20 A350-1000s Delta has on firm order.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Air Travel
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Delta Air Lines' first Airbus A350-1000 was photographed in full Delta livery at Airbus' Toulouse manufacturing facility, according to a sighting shared by Airways Magazine. Delta plans to begin commercial service of the aircraft in June 2027.
Why it matters
The A350-1000 is expected to deliver more than 20% lower fuel burn per available seat mile than the aircraft it replaces, and Delta expects it to support long-haul international and hub-to-hub flying. Its arrival signals the airline's next step in renewing its long-haul fleet.
The aircraft carries 53 Delta One seats, 48 Premium Select seats and 213 Comfort+ and Main Cabin seats, with a published range of 8,700 nautical miles. Delta has not yet confirmed when the aircraft will enter passenger service.
The players
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is a major U.S. carrier headquartered in Atlanta that operates one of the largest global route networks.
Airbus
Airbus is a European aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Toulouse, France, and the maker of the A350 family of widebody jets.
Airways Magazine
Airways Magazine is an aviation publication that covers commercial airline operations, aircraft and industry news.
The details
The aircraft was photographed at Airbus' Toulouse site in full Delta livery, and it is identified as manufacturer serial number 841. Remaining steps before delivery include engine installation, ground checks and flight testing, and the A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
Timeline
January 2024: Delta announced its A350-1000 order.
November 9, 2026: Airways Magazine shared the Toulouse sighting.
Early 2027: Delta's media kit lists the start of deliveries.
June 2027: Delta plans to begin commercial service of the A350-1000.
Travel Outlook
The A350-1000 extends the Airbus A350 family, a line powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, into its longest-range configuration. Its fuel efficiency gains reflect a broader push among carriers to replace older widebody jets with newer, more economical models on long-haul routes.
Travelers flying Delta's long-haul routes may see the A350-1000 on Seoul flights from Atlanta and Detroit once it enters service. Because the aircraft's seating includes Delta One suites, Premium Select seats and Comfort+ cabins, passengers booking future long-haul trips may want to check the aircraft type when selecting a seat.
The takeaway
The A350-1000 shows how airlines are prioritizing fuel efficiency on long-haul routes, which can influence cabin configurations and route planning for future travelers. Checking aircraft type before booking can help passengers anticipate the seating they will receive.
What happens next
Delta plans to begin commercial service of the A350-1000 in June 2027, with the first aircraft expected to debut on routes to Seoul from Atlanta and Detroit.
Further reading
For more on how new widebody jets are reshaping long-haul routes, explore our Air Travel coverage.
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