In a significant development for the aviation industry, nine airlines are confirmed to operate the Airbus A350-1000 on routes to the United States in 2026. Among these, Delta Air Lines is poised to join the ranks, solidifying its position in the competitive long-haul market. The other airlines already confirmed for A350-1000 services to the US include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, French bee, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
As Delta prepares to take delivery of the A350-1000 in 2026, the airline has yet to announce specific flight routes. Nevertheless, the aircraft’s entry into service may occur before the end of the year. Meanwhile, Lufthansa is also set to welcome this aircraft variant, although details of its US operations remain undisclosed.
Overview of Confirmed Airlines and Their Operations
The confirmed airlines are ranked by the number of departures scheduled for the first half of 2026, from January to June. Notably, Virgin Atlantic emerges as the leading operator, set to manage a substantial share of A350-1000 services to the US. The airline will account for one in four of all A350-1000 flights to the US. As Delta and Lufthansa introduce their aircraft, Virgin’s percentage share will gradually decrease.
According to data from ch-aviation, Virgin Atlantic has a fleet of 12 A350-1000s. Of these, seven feature a higher-premium configuration with 335 seats, while five are designed with a lower-premium, leisure-driven layout accommodating 397 passengers. This capacity is particularly beneficial for routes to popular destinations like Orlando, where high seating density can help offset lower yields from reduced premium demand.
The following airlines are set to operate A350-1000 flights to the US from January to June 2026:
– Virgin Atlantic: 1,345 departures, including routes from Edinburgh, London Heathrow, and Manchester.
– Qatar Airways: 1,227 departures to destinations such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles.
– British Airways: 1,058 departures, serving routes to Austin, Denver, and Las Vegas.
– Japan Airlines: 713 departures from Tokyo Haneda to various US cities.
– Etihad Airways: 543 departures, primarily to Atlanta and New York JFK.
– Cathay Pacific: 396 departures, including flights to Boston and Chicago O’Hare.
– Ethiopian Airlines: 181 departures to Washington Dulles.
– French bee: 45 departures from Paris Orly to Newark.
French bee’s Unique Offering and Delta’s Future Plans
French bee, a low-cost carrier, will operate two A350-1000s with an impressive capacity of 480 seats. This configuration consists of 40 premium economy seats and 440 in economy. With this setup, French bee will provide the highest-capacity twinjet flights available to the US, although some airlines may exceed this capacity using quadjet models like the Airbus A380.
The airline has consistently utilized the A350-1000 for its Paris Orly to Newark route since 2024. Although it has experienced fluctuations in seat fill rates, with an average of 82% occupancy reported between June and September 2025, the aircraft remains essential for meeting peak summer demand.
Delta Air Lines has firmly ordered 20 A350-1000s, with options for an additional 20. Expected deliveries will start in 2026, and while specific seat configurations are not yet finalized, it is anticipated that this aircraft will feature the highest passenger capacity in Delta’s fleet.
The airline’s strategy indicates a focus on slot-constrained airports, particularly in Europe, where increasing frequency is challenging. Potential routes could include major hubs such as Amsterdam and London Heathrow. The A350-1000 is designed to combine high capacity with long-range capabilities, and more than half of its seating is expected to be classified as premium.
As Delta explores potential new routes, such as the Atlanta to Riyadh service, the introduction of the A350-1000 could enhance its operational capacity. Additionally, the airline has expressed interest in reestablishing flights to India, although restrictions related to Russian airspace may complicate plans.
The arrival of the A350-1000 in 2026 will not only expand Delta’s fleet but also enhance the overall competitive landscape for long-haul travel to the US. With multiple airlines set to operate this advanced aircraft, travelers may soon benefit from enhanced services and capabilities across the Atlantic.