How The US' Only Airbus A350 Operator Strategically Uses Its Flagship Widebody

The global pandemic upended commercial aviation significantly, and during this time, Delta Air Lines made a decisive fleet choice that set it apart from its legacy domestic peers. United Airlines and American Airlines maintained their extensive Boeing 777 fleets, but Delta accelerated the full retirement of its 18 777-200ER and 777-200LR jets. In doing so, the Atlanta-based carrier raised the Airbus A350-900 to sole flagship status across its long-haul international network. Today, Delta remains the only US airline operating the A350, using the twin-aisle jet as the anchor for its most lucrative transoceanic routes and premium passenger products.