22 November 2014. Delta Airlines to buy 50 Airbus widebody aircraft, the orders consist of 25 Airbus A350-900 XWB and 25 Airbus A330-900NEO (new engine option).
Initially Delta wants Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, but Boeing can't fulfill Delta requirements for time delivery. In official statement of Boeing, they said that we did not have enough 787 positions available in the time frame.
Delta Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB Livery in Rendering Image
Delta instead ordered from lifetime Boeing's competitor, Airbus.
Delta expects the delivery time can be started in 2017 and finish in 2019.
Airbus A330NEO powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 and Trent XWB for the extra widebody Airbus A350-900.
Delta Airlines one of the largest American carrier, that flown about 165 passengers annually. Airbus widebody aircraft is just good buying decision in order gain more market and keep competitive with brand new fleet.