Two Routes: Delta's A350 Domestic Flights Revealed

Delta Air Lines Expands with Airbus A350-900 for Domestic and International Routes

Delta Air Lines is making a significant move by increasing its reliance on the Airbus A350-900 to support both its domestic and international operations. The airline currently operates 38 of these aircraft, with six more on order, and has already started using them on popular international routes as well as two domestic services. These include Atlanta to Salt Lake City and Detroit to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

As the only North American carrier operating the Airbus A350, Delta initially introduced the aircraft to replace its aging Boeing 747 fleet. With a fleet of over 900 aircraft, Delta remains one of the largest commercial airlines in the world.

Features of the Airbus A350-900

The Airbus A350-900 is marketed as the "Long Range Leader" and offers a range of up to 8,500 nautical miles (15,750 kilometers). It can cruise at a speed of Mach 0.85 and has a maximum takeoff weight of 283 tonnes. The aircraft features a modern, quiet cabin with a lower cabin altitude, which helps reduce jet lag for passengers.

In terms of seating capacity, the A350-900 can accommodate up to 440 passengers in a single-class configuration, though most airlines opt for a standard three-class layout. Delta uses different configurations depending on the route, with passenger capacities ranging from 275 to 339.

Domestic Flights on the A350-900

One of the notable domestic routes operated by Delta using the A350-900 is between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). This route sees one daily return service in each direction. The flight covers a distance of about 538 miles (853 kilometers), with an average flight time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The aircraft used for this route is configured to carry 306 passengers, including 32 business class, 38 premium economy, and 228 economy class seats. The flight departs from Minneapolis at 19:45 and arrives in Detroit at 22:20 local time.

Atlanta to Salt Lake City Route

Delta also operates two flights per day between Atlanta and Salt Lake City on the A350-900. This route, which spans approximately 1,589.8 miles (2,558.5 kilometers), takes about three hours and 55 minutes to complete. The A350-900 used on this route has a premium-heavy configuration with a total of 275 seats.

Atlanta and Salt Lake City are both major Delta hubs, with extensive domestic and international networks. From Salt Lake City, Delta is launching several new seasonal routes this year, including Fort Myers, Kailua Kona, and Lima, all starting in December.

Configurations on Delta’s A350-900s

Delta has three main configurations for its A350-900s:

1. Premium Heavy Configuration: Includes 40 business class, 40 premium economy, 36 comfort+ seats, and 159 economy class seats, totaling 275 passengers.
2. Another Premium Heavy Configuration: Features 32 business class, 48 premium economy, 36 comfort+, and 190 economy class seats, totaling 306 passengers.
3. High-Density Configuration: Focuses on maximizing economy seats, with 30 business class, 63 comfort+, and 246 economy class seats, totaling 339 passengers.

Second-Hand A350-900s and Future Orders

Delta received its first A350-900 in July 2017 and began commercial operations in October 2017 with a direct flight from Detroit to Tokyo Narita. The airline's widebody fleet includes a mix of new and second-hand aircraft, some acquired from LATAM Airlines Brasil and Qatar Airways.

Delta is also awaiting the delivery of 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the first expected to arrive in 2026. The airline has placed firm orders for 20 of these aircraft, with options for another 20.

Delta’s Leadership in A350 Operations

As the sole North American carrier operating the A350, Delta continues to lead the way in widebody operations. While United Airlines has ordered 45 A350-900s, the first deliveries are expected to be delayed until the end of the decade. American Airlines, on the other hand, has focused on Boeing aircraft for its widebody operations.

Despite this, Delta remains committed to the A350, with plans to expand its use on more domestic routes later this year. Atlanta and Detroit to Los Angeles are among the routes expected to see the A350-900 in the near future.