ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) has nearly completed the retirement of its uncompetitive ex-LATAM Airbus A350-900 cabins, marking the end of a short-lived era for these less premium long-haul interiors.
The final flights using the old configuration are scheduled to wrap up by late October 2025, with operations based at Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This change brings Delta’s A350 fleet closer to its updated premium standard.
Photo: Clément AlloingDelta Retires Airbus A350
In 2019, Delta Air Lines (DL) invested in LATAM Airlines (LA), later acquiring 9 of its recently retired Airbus A350-900 aircraft after LATAM filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020.
The move allowed Delta to fill capacity gaps created by the retirement of its Boeing 777 fleet during the pandemic.
Reported by OMAAT, these ex-LATAM A350-900s entered service without premium economy seating and with a 2-2-2 business class layout lacking direct aisle access for all passengers.
Delta’s standard A350-900 cabin features 306 seats, including 32 business class seats with doors in a 1-2-1 layout, 48 premium economy seats, and 226 economy seats.
By contrast, the ex-LATAM aircraft had 339 seats, no premium economy, and less privacy in business class. Wi-Fi was later installed, but passenger feedback consistently noted the outdated feel compared to Delta’s flagship interiors.
Photo: DeltaPremium A350 Layout
Since 2024, Delta has been reconfiguring these jets to a lower-density “premium” layout, reducing total seating from 306 to 275.
The updated configuration offers 40 business class seats with doors, 48 premium economy seats, and 195 economy seats, enhancing passenger comfort and aligning with Delta’s brand positioning.
7 of the 9 ex-LATAM A350-900s have already been reconfigured. According to scheduling data, the final flight of the old layout is set for October 25, 2025, coinciding with the end of the IATA summer travel season.
This ensures most travelers booking long haul flights later in the year will avoid the older interiors entirely.
Photo: Clément AlloingFleet Modernization
While the A350 retrofit project is nearly complete, Delta still operates aging Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on some international routes.
These jets have one of the least competitive business class offerings among major US carriers, with plans for eventual retirement from international service by 2030.
Until then, the A350 modernization demonstrates Delta’s gradual but deliberate move toward a more consistent premium product across its long-haul fleet.
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