Delta’s 1st A350-1000 Spotted In Full Livery Ahead Of June 2027 Debut

Published Nov 9, 2026, 6:48 PM EST Jack comes to Simple Flying with a lifelong interest in all things aviation. He holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech, and is a certified private and remote pilot. Beyond these experiences, Jack previously worked for a corporate flight department where he gained first-hand experience in the world of business aviation. Currently, Jack works in the professional services industry and continues to build his flight hours outside of work. The first Airbus A350-1000 for Delta Air Lines has been spotted in full airline livery at Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, providing the first public look at the widebody as it approaches completion. Aviation photography outlet Airways Magazine shared the sighting on November 9, with photographs credited to aircraft spotter Eurospot. The aircraft is the first of the A350-1000s Delta has ordered, and its appearance marks a significant milestone ahead of the airline’s planned June 2027 commercial debut. Delta originally announced the order in January 2024, becoming the first US airline to commit to the largest version of Airbus’ A350 family. The aircraft will become the largest in Delta’s fleet, adding capacity, cargo capability, and a new premium cabin product to its long-haul operation. Although the aircraft has now received its exterior livery, further production and preparation work remains before delivery and entry into passenger service. First Aircraft Reaches A Visible Milestone Credit: Antoine Houzelstein | Shutterstock The aircraft was photographed at Airbus’ Toulouse manufacturing site, where the A350 family is assembled. The sighting was shared on X, seen below. The completed exterior gives the aircraft its recognizable Delta appearance, although a finished paint scheme does not mean it is ready for delivery. The first A350-1000 is identified in aviation tracking reports as manufacturer serial number 841. The aircraft still needs to progress through the remaining production and testing stages before Airbus can hand it over to Delta. Engine installation, ground checks, and flight testing are among the steps required before delivery. Delta's official A350 media kit currently lists early 2027 as the start of deliveries, while industry reporting has pointed to June as the intended commercial launch period. Delta has 20 aircraft on firm order, with the possibility of expanding the commitment through additional options. The airline expects the new variant to support long-haul international and hub-to-hub flying, where its larger capacity and extended range can be put to use. A New Flagship With A Premium-Focused Cabin Credit: Delta Air Lines Delta will introduce its next-generation Delta One business-class suites on the A350-1000, developed following two years of design work and a decade of customer and employee feedback. The airline has confirmed a reverse-herringbone layout, with window-side suites facing outward and center suites offering a movable privacy divider for passengers traveling together. Anticipated Delta A350-1000 Cabin Layout Cabin Total Seats Delta One 53 Premium Select 48 Comfort+ and Main Cabin 213 The updated product will include a flat-bed seat more than six-and-a-half feet (1.98 meters) long, a pillow-top cushion, additional storage, wireless charging, and a 24-inch (60.96 centimeters) high-definition seatback screen. Delta also plans to provide Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C and universal power outlets, and an onboard self-service refreshment area for business-class passengers. Premium upgrades extend beyond the front cabin as well. Delta says all A350-1000 seats will feature its largest seatback screens, memory foam cushions, and fast, free Wi-Fi. The aircraft will offer four cabin products: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. Delta describes the aircraft as having a 50% premium seat mix, reflecting its strategy of allocating more capacity to higher-fare cabins. Greater Range And Capacity For Long-Haul Expansion Credit: Delta Air Lines The A350-1000 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and has a published range of up to approximately 8,700 nautical miles (16,112 km), depending on configuration. Delta expects the aircraft to deliver more than 20% lower fuel burn per available seat mile compared with the aircraft it is intended to replace. Its larger fuselage also provides additional passenger and cargo capacity compared with the A350-900 already in Delta’s fleet. Simple Flying reported that the airline is expected to debut the new aircraft on routes to Seoul from Atlanta and Detroit. Delta initially described the aircraft as a key part of its international expansion, rather than simply another option for replacing existing widebodies. Its additional range and premium-heavy layout could support high-demand transpacific services and longer routes that are difficult to operate profitably with smaller aircraft. However, Delta has not publicly confirmed the first destinations for the A350-1000, so specific route assignments remain speculative. The order also fits into a wider fleet modernization effort. Delta continues to invest in A350-900s and A330neos while preparing to introduce the larger A350 variant. Airbus says the aircraft offers improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, giving the carrier more flexibility as it expands international capacity. Its January 2024 order announcement described the A350-1000 as the most capable aircraft in Delta’s future fleet.