The A310s didn’t stay long. By 1995, they were retired to streamline the fleet. Still, the aircraft helped Delta step into Europe after Pan Am collapsed. A few were replaced briefly with leased A310-300s, but by then Delta was shifting strategy.
Years later, Airbus and Delta would reconnect. In 2013, Delta placed its first major Airbus order in two decades. That deal included A321s and A330s for long-haul and domestic use.
Today, Delta operates more Airbus aircraft than any other airline in the U.S., including A220s, A330s, and A350s. Its Airbus history began with a short-lived fleet of A310s—but laid the groundwork for a deepening partnership focused on fleet renewal and sustainability.