ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) is intensifying its long-haul operations from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on major transpacific routes.
As Alaska Airlines (AS) expands globally from Seattle, Delta is responding with increased A350 service and a planned pilot base at SEA, signaling long-term strategic positioning in the Pacific Northwest.
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 | Photo: AirbusDelta Air Lines A350
Delta Air Lines (DL) has transitioned its key trans-Pacific routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Airbus A350-900 operations, marking a shift from its previous reliance on the Airbus A330-900neo, flagged OMAAT.
The changes took effect in early 2025 and include three major Asian destinations:
- Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) — upgraded as of March 29, 2025
- Seoul Incheon (ICN) — upgraded as of March 29, 2025
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) — upgraded as of May 23, 2025
Delta maintains an extensive long-haul network out of SEA, with existing transatlantic routes to Amsterdam (AMS), London Heathrow (LHR), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), as well as the above transpacific destinations.
DL seems to be looking to make SEA an A350 baseit waits on new hire cycle, fall of this year to spring of ’26 seems to be the hiring time-frame.
— JonNYC (@xjonnyc.bsky.social) 2025-06-04T00:47:04.810Z
This move is part of Delta’s broader strategy to standardize its Asia-bound flights on the A350-900, which offers superior cabin features and enhanced premium seating capacity compared to the A330neo.
The standard A350 layout includes 306 seats with 32 in Delta One Suites, while newer premium configured versions prioritize business and premium economy seating for high yield traffic.
Photo: Cado Photo InstagramUpcoming Pilot Base
Sources close to Delta’s operations indicate the airline plans to establish a dedicated A350 pilot base in Seattle, likely by Spring 2026.
This development aligns with the increased frequency of A350 flights from the region and supports anticipated growth in long-haul services.
Opening a pilot base represents a long-term commitment and hints at Delta’s intention to expand A350 deployment to potential transatlantic routes.
The airline is currently receiving more A350-900s, including ex-LATAM models being retrofitted with upgraded interiors to compete on less leisure-driven routes.
Although SEA does not necessitate the full range of the A350-900, Delta’s strategic move likely aims to gain ground in Seattle’s intensifying international market.
Photo: By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81045964Competitive Pressure from Alaska Airlines
Delta’s A350 buildup is widely seen as a direct response to Alaska Airlines’ (AS) ambitious international push from its home base in Seattle.
Alaska now flies to Tokyo Narita (NRT) and will launch service to Seoul Incheon (ICN) in September 2025 and Rome (FCO) by May 2026.
Unlike Delta, Alaska boasts strong regional loyalty, a more extensive U.S. domestic network, and lower operational costs.
Delta, although possessing powerful global alliances and joint ventures, lacks similar local dominance in Seattle.
The dynamic marks a rare scenario where Delta plays the underdog. The airline’s traditional strengths lie in fortress hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Detroit (DTW), where it enjoys unmatched market control. Seattle remains a unique test case of competitive endurance.
Photo: AirbusFuture Outlook
While the A350 enhances Delta’s premium offering, the shift raises questions about route profitability.
Industry data shows low load factors on routes like SEA–TPE, where business class award redemptions remain high, an uncommon trend for profitable international flights.
This suggests Delta’s strategy may prioritize market share over short-term returns, aiming to defend its foothold as Alaska expands.
The viability of two international long-haul carriers based at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) remains uncertain. With limited gate space, rising costs, and shifting demand, consolidation or redeployment could occur if either carrier underperforms.
Should Delta scale back, alternative hubs like Salt Lake City (SLC), where Delta dominates, could see increased long-haul activity.
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Delta to Restart Atlanta to New Delhi Flight with A350-1000
The post Delta Boosts A350-900 Ops from Seattle, Plans New Pilot Base appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
