Delta’s New Boeing Fleet: Bigger Planes, Better Seats, More Routes 

Delta Air Lines placed its first-ever direct order for up to 60 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners in January 2026, alongside an incoming 737 MAX 10 fleet expected from 2027. The 787-10 delivers 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, over 50% premium seating, and enhanced passenger comfort  but first deliveries won’t arrive until 2031.

Delta’s fleet is changing in a big way. On January 13, 2026, Delta Air Lines announced its first-ever direct order for up to 60 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner widebody aircraft  a landmark moment for an airline that has operated Boeing jets for decades but never held a direct 787 order. Combined with an incoming wave of Boeing 737 MAX 10s arriving in 2027, Delta is entering one of the most significant fleet overhauls in its history.

Which Boeing Models Is Delta Adding  and Why?

Delta is adding two new Boeing models: the 737 MAX 10 narrowbody and the 787-10 widebody. The 737 MAX 10, expected from 2027, will replace older domestic jets. The 787-10, with first delivery in 2031, targets long-haul international routes and replaces aging 767-300ER and 767-400ER aircraft.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of both aircraft:

Delta’s total order book now stands at 130 Boeing aircraft firm  100 737-10s and 30 787-10s  with options for 30 additional 787-10s bringing the widebody potential to 60 aircraft.

The strategic reasoning is clear: Delta’s commercial chief Joe Esposito described the approach as “efficient growth,” using larger aircraft to carry more passengers on the same routes with lower operating costs. As Esposito noted on Delta’s Q2 2026 earnings call, replacing a 767 with a 787 takes premium seating from 30% to over 50% of cabin capacity  a substantial revenue shift.

What Is the New Delta Plane in 2027?

The new Delta plane arriving in 2027 is the Boeing 737 MAX 10. Delta expects up to 27 aircraft by year-end 2027. The 737 MAX 10 was originally ordered at the 2022 Farnborough Airshow but faced certification delays that pushed its debut back two years.

The 737 MAX 10 seats approximately 190 passengers in a standard two-class layout and will slot into Delta’s domestic network to replace less efficient 717s and some 757s. WestJet is expected to take the first 737 MAX 10 deliveries globally, with Delta following closely.

Does Delta Have a Boeing 787 Now?

No. As of 2026, Delta Air Lines does not yet operate any Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The January 2026 order marked Delta’s first-ever direct purchase of the 787. First deliveries of the 787-10 are not scheduled until 2031.

This surprises many travelers, since rival United Airlines has operated 787s for over a decade. Delta’s widebody strategy previously centered on the Airbus A330 family and the A350-900 for long-haul flying  making this 787 order a genuine pivot toward widebody diversification.

When Will Delta Get the 787?

Delta’s first Boeing 787-10 delivery is scheduled for 2031. The airline placed its firm order for 30 aircraft in January 2026, with options for 30 more. Boeing’s current production schedule places initial 787-10 deliveries to Delta in the early 2030s.

Passengers hoping to fly on Delta’s Dreamliner will need to wait. In the meantime, Delta’s A350-900 fleet continues to serve as the airline’s flagship widebody on premium international routes.

Does Delta Have an A350?

Yes. Delta Air Lines currently operates the Airbus A350-900 and was the first North American carrier to take delivery of the type, receiving its first aircraft on July 13, 2017. Commercial A350 service began on March 24, 2018.

Delta now operates 32 A350-900s, making it a cornerstone of the airline’s international network. The A350 flies from Delta’s major hubs  Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), New York JFK, Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Seattle (SEA)  to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Delta A350 Seat Map: International Configuration

Delta’s A350-900 operates in two configurations. Here’s what each looks like:

Delta One Suite specs on the A350:

• Seat width: 20.46 inches
• Lie-flat bed length: 76–77 inches
• Configuration: 1-2-1 staggered layout
• Screen: 18-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Closing privacy door: Yes
• Wireless charging: Yes (35H config)

Delta Seat Map Legend: How to Read It

The Delta seat map legend uses colored icons to identify each cabin class. Understanding these icons helps passengers choose seats before booking and avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Seat selection fees for Basic Economy passengers generally range from $10 to $50 per flight segment, depending on the route and seat location. Medallion members and full-fare economy passengers can select most seats for free.

Delta Seating Chart by Flight Number: How to Find Yours

To find the Delta seating chart for a specific flight number:

• Go to delta.com and search your flight using the flight number
• Click “Select Seats” during booking or manage your reservation post-purchase
• The interactive seat map will display the aircraft-specific layout
• Use the legend to identify cabin types and available seats

For international flights (Delta seating chart by flight number international), the seat map also shows galley and lavatory positions  particularly relevant on long-haul A350 and 767 routes where seat proximity to lavatories affects comfort.

Pro tip: Delta’s A350-900 Config 2 (35H) has 4 lavatories for business class, compared to just 2 on the A330-900neo. If you’re flying Delta One and comfort matters, check the aircraft code before booking.

Delta Boeing 787 Seat Map (What to Expect)

No official Delta Boeing 787 seat map has been released, since deliveries don’t begin until 2031. However, based on Delta’s order announcements and route strategy, here’s what the 787-10 configuration is expected to include:

• Approximate total seating: ~301 passengers (per industry reporting from The Engine Cowl)
• Premium seat share: 85+ premium seats  over 50% premium ratio
• Cabin classes: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, Delta Main Cabin
• IFE: 1,000+ hours of free in-flight entertainment
• Wi-Fi: Delta Sync Wi-Fi (fast, free)
• Engines: GE Aerospace GEnx

The 787-10 has the lowest operating cost per seat of any widebody currently in production, according to Boeing  a key factor in Delta’s decision to add it for high-demand transatlantic routes.

Why Did Delta Choose the A350 Over the 787  And Why Is It Now Ordering Both?

Delta originally chose the A350 over the 787 due to higher capacity on ultra-long-range routes, Airbus fleet commonality with its A330 fleet, and faster delivery timelines during Boeing’s production challenges. Delta is now adding the 787-10 to diversify its widebody order book and replace its aging 767 fleet more cost-effectively.

Three factors drove the original A350 preference:

• Capacity: The A350-900 carries up to 306 passengers  competitive for high-demand transatlantic routes
• Fleet synergy: Delta already operated the A330-200/300/900neo, creating shared training and maintenance benefits
• Delivery certainty: Boeing’s 787 program faced repeated production delays; Airbus delivered on schedule

Now, with Boeing’s supply situation stabilizing and the 787-10 offering the best per-seat economics of any widebody, Delta sees value in operating both types for different route profiles.

Why Did Delta Stop Flying the 777?

Delta retired its entire fleet of 18 Boeing 777 widebody jets by the end of 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the accelerating factor. The 777s were already being phased out due to high fuel consumption and maintenance costs relative to newer alternatives.

The 777s were among the oldest and most expensive jets in Delta’s widebody fleet. COVID-19 provided the financial justification to accelerate retirements that were already planned, simplifying the fleet and reducing fixed costs during a period of near-zero international travel demand.

Is Delta Bringing Back the 747?

No. Delta flew its last Boeing 747 revenue flight in December 2017 and has no plans to return the type to service. The airline retired its 747 fleet as part of a long-term fleet simplification strategy.

The 747 era at Delta ended quietly  a function of the same economics that eventually grounded the 777. Twin-engine widebodies like the A350 and 787 offer better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs than the four-engine 747, making a comeback economically impractical.

When Did Delta Start Flying the A350?

Delta Air Lines became the first North American airline to take delivery of the Airbus A350-900 on July 13, 2017. The aircraft entered commercial passenger service on March 24, 2018.

Delta’s A350 debut marked a new chapter for the airline’s international premium offering, introducing Delta One Suites  fully enclosed business-class suites with closing privacy doors to its long-haul network for the first time.

What Passenger Experience Upgrades Come With the New Boeing Fleet?

Delta’s 787-10 Dreamliner will bring measurable comfort improvements over the 767s it replaces:

• Larger windows: The 787 features the largest windows of any widebody flying today, with electrochromic tinting instead of window shades
• Lower cabin altitude: Pressurized at 6,000 feet vs. the 767’s ~8,000 feet  passengers arrive feeling less fatigued
• Higher humidity: Reduced cabin dryness compared to older aluminum-fuselage jets
• Quieter cabin: Advanced engine design and composite fuselage reduce interior noise
• More premium space: Premium cabins jump from 30% to 50%+ of total seating
• Cargo capacity: The 787-10 handles roughly twice the cargo of the 767 it replaces

How Does Delta’s New Fleet Compare to Competitors?

United and American have operated 787s for years, giving them a head start on Dreamliner economics and cabin experience. Delta’s later entry means its 787s will arrive with a fully evolved product  Delta One Suites are already rated among the best business-class seats on any U.S. carrier, winning the 2024 TPG Award for Best Business Class on a U.S. Airline.

What This Means for Delta’s Route Network

The 787-10’s range and economics make it particularly suited to:

• High-frequency transatlantic routes: Atlanta, Detroit, JFK, LAX to European hubs
• South American expansion: Long-range routes where the 767 currently operates
• Route upgauging: Replacing 767 flying with more seats and lower unit costs

The 737 MAX 10, meanwhile, strengthens Delta’s domestic position  seating roughly 190 passengers versus the 717’s 110-seat capacity, effectively doubling density on some routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Boeing 787s has Delta ordered?
Delta has ordered 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with options for 30 more for a potential total of 60. The firm order was placed on January 13, 2026, and represents Delta’s first-ever direct 787 purchase.

What year will Delta’s first 787 enter service?
Delta’s first Boeing 787-10 delivery is scheduled for 2031. Until then, Delta operates no 787s of any variant.

Which engine will power Delta’s 787-10?
Delta selected GE Aerospace GEnx engines for its 787-10 fleet. Delta and GE Aerospace also entered a separate servicing agreement for these engines.

How many seats does the Delta 787-10 have?
Industry reporting indicates approximately 301 seats, with 85 or more in premium cabins  giving the 787-10 a premium seat ratio exceeding 50%.

What aircraft will the 787-10 replace at Delta?
Delta’s 787-10s will replace Boeing 767-300ER and 767-400ER aircraft, primarily on transatlantic and South American routes.

When did Delta first fly the Airbus A350?
Delta took delivery of its first A350-900 on July 13, 2017, becoming the first North American carrier to operate the type. Commercial service launched March 24, 2018.

Why did Delta retire its Boeing 777 fleet?
Delta retired all 18 of its 777s by end of 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the aircraft’s high fuel burn and maintenance costs relative to newer alternatives.

How much does a Delta One seat cost on the A350?
Cash fares in Delta One on transatlantic routes typically range from $3,000 to $8,000+ round trip depending on the route and travel dates. Award pricing on Delta SkyMiles ranges from 280,000 to 765,000 miles each way for Delta One Suites due to dynamic pricing.

What is the Delta seat map legend?
Delta’s seat map legend includes five cabin types: Delta One (business class), Delta Premium Select (premium economy), Delta Comfort+, Preferred Seat, and Delta Main Cabin. Seat selection fees for Basic Economy passengers range from $10 to $50 per flight.

Does Delta have the Boeing 787-9 specifically?
No. Delta’s 787 order covers only the 787-10  the largest variant of the Dreamliner family. Delta has no plans to order the smaller 787-8 or 787-9 variants.