Leak Reveals Delta’s New A350-1000 Suites Set To Upend U.S. Business Class Market

Delta is planning for a premium-heavy Airbus A350-1000 widebody, with the first plane being delivered next year or (more likely) delayed into 2027, according to aviation watchdog JonNYC.

He says to expect “20 aircraft being delivered in a 28-month time frame.” The most exciting thing is that these planes will feature a new Delta One Suite in business class, as well as new economy seats.

this is what that original delivery schedule looked like:
2026
3Q: 1

2026
4Q: 3

2027:
1Q: 1
2Q: 3

2028
1Q: 3
2Q: 5
3Q: 2
4Q: 2

— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) July 2, 2025 at 5:19 PM

and, yes, I confidently predict that there will be a new DeltaOne suite introduced (as well as new seats in Comfort and Main.)

— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) July 2, 2025 at 6:50 PM

These planes come from the order Delta placed 18 months ago with 20 aircraft firm and options for 20 more.


Airbus A350-900, Credit: Delta


Airbus A350-900, Credit: Delta

Delta was the first U.S. airline, and second airline in the world behind Qatar Airways, to put doors on direct aisle access long haul business class seats. However their long haul fleet still doesn’t have these fully installed. And the seat has definitely been surpassed by competitors. Delta’s basic seat is the Thompson Vantage XL, which isn’t close to top of market for current business class.


Current Delta Suite

American Airlines now has business class suites on their new Boeing 787-9P, using Adient Ascent seats which are excellent (though in a dense configuration). United has announced that their new delivery 787s will have a similar seat as well. So Delta needs to avoid falling into last place (a spot currently held amongst the three by United, though Delta’s 767 seats are the worst flying long haul for a U.S. or European flag carrier).


American Airlines Boeing 787-9P

Delta has upped its game on the ground with Delta One lounges, and is improving its soft product (with better wines, though a step behind United, and better bedding). New seats on new planes helps, but as of now there’s no plan to retrofit existing aircraft with the new seat that they unveil with A350-1000 aircraft.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. @ Lil Tim — That all will end when UA acquires B6’s NYC gates. Stop dreaming that the current adminstrtion will block it. It’s all about paying bribes, and Kirby has paid his. I’m surely kick in more when asked. DL has no chance to block the expansion of UA. DL will fall to a forever #2 position. Too bad.

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