Rolls-Royce Secures Major Engine Order for Delta Air Lines’ Widebody Expansion

Rolls-Royce has officially announced a significant new agreement with Delta Air Lines for 62 widebody engines to power the carrier’s expanding fleet of Airbus aircraft. Announced on January 28, 2026, the deal solidifies the British manufacturer’s position within Delta’s long-haul strategy, introducing the upgraded Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine to the airline’s operations.

According to the company’s statement, the order supports Delta’s acquisition of 15 Airbus A350-900s and 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. Deliveries for these new airframes are scheduled to begin in 2029. The agreement also includes a long-term TotalCare® service contract, Rolls-Royce’s flagship “power-by-the-hour” maintenance package designed to ensure predictable operational costs and fleet availability.

Breakdown of the Deal

The order comprises two distinct engine types tailored to Delta’s mixed Airbus fleet. Rolls-Royce confirmed the specific breakdown of the 62 engines as follows:

• 30 Trent XWB-84 EP engines: These will power 15 new Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
• 32 Trent 7000 engines: These are designated for 16 new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, highlighted the significance of the partnership in the official release:

“Rolls-Royce is proud to have Delta Air Lines as our largest partner in the Americas… This reorder underpins our combined commitment to reliability, durability, and customer success.”

Technical Spotlight: The Trent XWB-84 EP

A focal point of this announcement is Delta’s selection of the Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) variant for its new A350 fleet. According to technical specifications released by Rolls-Royce, the EP variant represents an evolution of the standard Trent XWB-84, which is already the exclusive powerplant for the Airbus A350 family.

Efficiency and Engineering Upgrades

The manufacturer states that the EP variant delivers a 1% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the original model. While a single percentage point may appear nominal, across a Commercial-Aircraft fleet’s operational lifespan, this translates to substantial financial savings and a measurable reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Rolls-Royce detailed several engineering improvements that contribute to this efficiency:

• Aerodynamics: The engine features optimized designs in the fan, compressor, and turbine systems to smooth airflow.
• Cooling Systems: Enhanced cooling for high-pressure turbine blades allows the engine to operate more efficiently at higher temperatures.
• Materials: The inclusion of a new disc alloy is intended to improve overall durability.

The EP variant received EASA certification in April 2025, with FAA certification expected to follow shortly to align with the 2029 delivery timeline.

Strategic Context for Delta Air Lines

This order is a critical element of Delta’s broader fleet modernization program. By retiring older, less efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 767-300ER, Delta is transitioning to next-generation widebodies that offer superior operating economics.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, commented on the strategic value of the new aircraft in the press statement:

“As we grow our international footprint and prepare our fleet to serve expanded long-haul markets, these aircraft will enhance our capabilities and elevate our premium offerings.”

The A350-900s are expected to serve ultra-long-haul premium routes, such as those connecting the U.S. to the Asia-Pacific region, while the A330neos will likely be deployed on high-demand transatlantic and transpacific corridors.

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective, this order represents a vital “defensive win” for Rolls-Royce. While Delta recently diversified its fleet with an order for Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners (powered by GE Aerospace), Rolls-Royce has successfully defended its territory on the Airbus side of the ledger.

Because the A350 and A330neo platforms are exclusively powered by Rolls-Royce, any Airbus widebody order automatically benefits the Derby-based manufacturer. However, the inclusion of the TotalCare service agreement is the true financial anchor, locking in long-term aftermarket revenue. Furthermore, the introduction of the “EP” variant demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ability to respond to airline demands for continuous incremental efficiency improvements, a necessary evolution to compete with rival engine technologies.

Sources

• Rolls-Royce Official Press Release
• Delta Air Lines News Hub
• Airbus Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Air India and includes additional context from industry research.

Air India Unveils Custom Cabin Interiors for New Boeing 787-9 Fleet

Air India has officially unveiled the cabin interiors for its first “line-fit” Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing “Vihaan.AI” transformation program. The aircraft, registered as VT-AWA, represents a departure from the carrier’s legacy products, introducing a bespoke three-class configuration designed to compete with global standards.

According to the airline’s announcement, the new aircraft will enter commercial service on the Mumbai (BOM) to Frankfurt (FRA) route starting February 1, 2026. This delivery is the first of 20 new Boeing 787-9s ordered by the Tata Group-owned carrier, signaling a shift toward a consistent, premium passenger experience.

Cabin Configuration and Technical Specifications

The new Boeing 787-9 features a total of 296 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. Air India has selected premium seat manufacturers Adient and RECARO for the hard product, moving away from the generic or retrofitted designs seen in previous years.

Business Class: Private Suites

The Business Class cabin comprises 30 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. The airline has chosen the Adient Ascent seat, customized for Air India. Key features include:

• Fully flat beds with a 79-inch length.
• Sliding privacy doors (subject to current regulatory adjustments).
• 17-inch 4K QLED HDR high-definition screens.
• Wireless charging capabilities and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

Premium Economy and Economy

For the first time on its Dreamliner fleet, Air India is introducing a dedicated Premium Economy cabin. This section includes 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. The seats are the RECARO PL3530 model, offering a 38-inch pitch, 7-inch recline, and adjustable calf rests.

The Economy cabin accommodates 238 passengers in a 3-3-3 layout using RECARO CL3710 seats. These seats provide a pitch of 31-32 inches and a 5-inch recline, along with 11.6-inch 4K screens and USB-C charging ports.

Design Aesthetics and Technology

Air India stated that the cabin design reflects a “New India” aesthetic, utilizing a color palette of soft creams, deep reds, and aubergine. A signature “Jaali” (lattice) pattern is integrated into suite lamps and cabin panels, aiming to blend traditional Indian elements with modern aviation design.

Lighting plays a central role in the new interior. Developed in collaboration with Tata Elxsi, the mood lighting is inspired by Indian “chakra” wellness concepts, specifically designed to help reduce jet lag on long-haul flights. For in-flight entertainment, the aircraft is equipped with the Thales AVANT Up system across all classes.

Operational Context and Regulatory Status

While the hard product represents a massive upgrade, industry reports indicate temporary regulatory limitations regarding the certification of specific seat features. According to aviation analysts, including reports from Live From A Lounge and Simple Flying, the sliding privacy doors in Business Class are currently fixed in the open position pending final safety certification.

Additionally, reports suggest that approximately 18 Economy Class seats are currently blocked from sale due to a regulatory interpretation issue. These measures ensure safety compliance while the airline awaits final clearance for the full suite of features.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of VT-AWA is a critical competitive move for Air India. For years, the carrier’s reputation on the India-Europe-US corridors suffered due to aging interiors and maintenance issues on its legacy 787-8 fleet. This new product allows Air India to compete directly with top-tier carriers.

When compared to competitors on similar routes:

• Versus Virgin Atlantic: Air India’s 1-2-1 suite layout offers superior privacy and screen size compared to Virgin’s older herringbone “Upper Class” product on the 787-9.
• Versus Lufthansa: While Lufthansa is rolling out its “Allegris” product, many of its aircraft still operate with older 2-2-2 layouts. Air India’s new standard guarantees direct aisle access, giving it an edge over inconsistent competitor fleets.
• Versus Emirates: On routes served by Emirates’ Boeing 777s, which often feature 2-3-2 layouts in Business Class, Air India’s new hard product offers a more private and modern experience.

Crucially, Air India has confirmed that its legacy fleet of 27 Boeing 787-8s will be retrofitted with these exact interiors starting in mid-2026. This commitment to fleet-wide consistency is perhaps the most significant indicator that the “Vihaan.AI” transformation is moving from promise to reality.

Sources: Air India Press Release, RECARO Aircraft Seating, Adient Aerospace, Industry Analysis (Live From A Lounge, Simple Flying).

This article is based on an official press release from the City of San Antonio.

San Antonio International Airport Advances $2.5 Billion Expansion with Key Infrastructure Briefings

On January 28, 2026, officials from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) presented a series of critical infrastructure and design briefings to the San Antonio City Council. These updates mark a significant step forward in the airport’s $2.5 billion “Elevate/SAT” capital improvement program, which aims to transform the facility by 2028.

According to the official press release from the City of San Antonio, the briefings focused on three specific initiatives: airfield safety enhancements, the rehabilitation of existing Terminals A and B, and a new centralized receiving center. These projects are designed to support the construction of the new Terminal C, which broke ground in December 2024, ensuring that the airport’s existing infrastructure can handle projected passenger growth.

The session provided the City Council with “post-solicitation” updates on design contracts for the airfield and terminal renovations, as well as a “pre-solicitation” overview of the proposed logistics center. These developments underscore the city’s commitment to modernizing its aviation gateway as passenger numbers are expected to reach 15 million annually over the next two decades.

Airfield Safety and Terminal Modernization

The briefings detailed two major programs where design partners have already been selected. These projects are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a cohesive passenger experience across the airport.

Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP)

The first briefing covered the Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP). City officials confirmed that a design firm has been selected to lead this initiative, which focuses on bringing the airport’s runway and taxiway systems into compliance with the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

A primary component of this program is the reconstruction of Runway 13L-31R and its associated taxiways. According to the briefing details, the selected firm will advance the project design from 30% to 100% completion between 2026 and 2030. The City of San Antonio emphasized that this work is being coordinated with an ongoing environmental review process.

“This design effort is being advanced in coordination with the ongoing FAA-led National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)… ensuring that no final construction decisions are made until the NEPA EIS process is completed.”

, City of San Antonio Press Release (January 28, 2026)

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Terminal A and B Reconfiguration

The second major update focused on the Terminal A and B Reconfiguration and Rehabilitation Program (TABRR). With the new Terminal C set to open in Summer 2028, airport officials are prioritizing renovations for the existing terminals to prevent a disparity in facility quality.

An architectural firm has been selected to oversee these renovations, which will include upgrades to hold rooms, restrooms, and finishes. The goal is to align the aesthetic and operational standards of Terminals A and B with the river-inspired design of the upcoming Terminal C. The timeline for these renovations is synchronized with the Terminal C opening, ensuring a unified airport experience by 2028.

Logistics and Future Operations

In addition to the design contracts, the City Council received a pre-solicitation briefing regarding a new logistics facility intended to streamline airport operations.

Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC)

The proposed Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC) aims to enhance security and reduce congestion by creating a single point of entry for commercial goods. Currently, delivery vehicles for airport concessions navigate various entry points; the new facility will centralize screening and logistics before goods are transported to the secure “airside” environment.

According to the presentation, the airport plans to solicit a third-party operator to manage this facility, which will include temperature-controlled storage and security screening capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve operational safety as the airport expands its footprint.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to run the Terminal A and B rehabilitation concurrently with the construction of Terminal C is a strategic necessity for San Antonio. In many airport expansions, older terminals are often neglected, creating a “tale of two airports” experience where passengers on one airline enjoy modern amenities while others face aging infrastructure. By aligning the completion of the TABRR program with the opening of Terminal C in Summer 2028, SAT is mitigating this risk.

Furthermore, the timeline for the airfield improvements, stretching into 2030, suggests that while the passenger-facing transformation will be largely complete by 2028, the operational backbone of the airport will continue to evolve. This phased approach allows the airport to maintain capacity during the critical construction years while preparing for the long-term projection of 15 million annual passengers.

Broader Context: The Elevate/SAT Master Plan

These specific briefings sit within the context of the massive “Elevate/SAT” program. The centerpiece of this plan is the new 17-gate Terminal C, designed by Corgan and Lake|Flato, which will add up to 850,000 square feet of space. Additionally, a new Ground Transportation Center is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Data presented during the briefings indicates that the expansion is expected to create over 16,000 jobs and generate billions in economic impact for the region. With passenger traffic having already surpassed pre-pandemic levels (over 10 million in 2019), these infrastructure investments are critical for San Antonio’s connectivity and economic growth.

Sources

Sources: City of San Antonio