Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday that it will purchase 31 Airbus wide-body aircraft as part of a long-term strategy to modernize its international fleet, supporting future growth and meeting demand from corporate and high-income travelers.

The order includes 16 Airbus A330-900s and 15 Airbus A350-900s, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2029.

The airline clarified that the deal not only encompasses new aircraft but also converts 10 previously held options into firm purchase orders, while also including options for an additional 20 wide-body jets.

This major purchase coincides with a competitive push by U.S. carriers to refresh their long-haul fleets and capitalize on robust demand for premium international travel. Delta has been actively deploying newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce consumption, gradually replacing its aging Boeing 767s and older Airbus A330 models, following the retirement of its 777 fleet.

In a related recent move, Delta also decided to add 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft to its long-haul operations. The company plans to primarily deploy these planes on transatlantic and South American routes.

The newly ordered Airbus aircraft will be utilized for medium- and long-haul flights, such as recently launched or announced routes to Taipei, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Riyadh. These aircraft will feature an increased number of premium seats, which have become a significant source of profit.