FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) has made a significant announcement of ordering 260 new aircraft, including 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft.
The order portfolio also incorporates options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. Notably, American has converted 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders into 737 MAX 10 aircraft within the Boeing order.
American Airlines Narrowbody Orders
Since 2014, American has received over 600 mainline and regional aircraft. With this latest announcement, the airline has 440 aircraft on order, ensuring an extension of its aircraft order book into the next decade. This strategic move positions American to effectively address the escalating demand for air travel.
Through these orders, Devon May, Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines, expressed satisfaction in continuing their enduring partnerships with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. May stated,
“As we look into the next decade, American will have a steady stream of new aircraft alongside a balanced level of capital investment, which will allow us to expand our network and deliver for our shareholders.”
These acquisitions align with American’s ongoing commitment to expand premium seats across its narrowbody and regional fleets, contributing to the enduring strength of the airline’s domestic and short-haul international network.
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, highlighted the airline’s substantial investment in fleet modernization over the past decade, boasting the largest and youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers. He stated,
“These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”
The aircraft orders align with American’s strategic, measured growth plan for the next decade and contribute to a streamlined delivery schedule in the upcoming years.
Taking these orders into consideration, American anticipates remaining in accordance with its previously communicated guidance for capacity and capital expenditures.
Over the past ten years, the A321 and A321neo aircraft have been pivotal in transporting American’s customers within the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations. American Airlines continues to hold the distinction of being the world’s largest single-carrier operator of A320 family aircraft.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, emphasized the enduring value of the A321neo, stating,
“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single-aisle aircraft. For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”
Ordering MAX 10 Despite Certification Delays
American Airlines (AA) is strategically preparing for the future through its new narrowbody order of Boeing 737 MAX 10s and eagerly anticipates the certification of these aircraft.
Presently operating the 737 MAX 8, the introduction of the 737 MAX 10 will enable American to continually enhance its fleet by providing increased flexibility across its extensive network.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes expressed gratitude for American Airlines’ confidence in Boeing and its selection of the 737-10.
Deal stated, “American’s selection of the 737-10 will provide greater efficiency, commonality, and flexibility for its global network and operations. Our team here at Boeing is committed to delivering on this new order and supporting American’s strategic growth with one of the industry’s largest and most modern fleets.”
American Airlines is strategically emphasizing the integration of larger, dual-class regional aircraft into its fleet, a move aimed at enhancing connectivity from smaller markets to the broader global network.
With the objective of retiring all 50-seat single-class regional jets by the decade’s end, the airline plans to maintain services to small and medium-sized markets utilizing larger regional jets.
Upon completing the Embraer E175 deliveries, American’s entire regional fleet is anticipated to consist of dual-class regional jets featuring premium seating, high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, and in-seat power. American’s wholly-owned regional carriers will operate these new E175 aircraft.
Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commended the E175 as a vital component of the U.S. aviation network, connecting diverse corners of the country.
He highlighted the aircraft’s success, noting a 6.5% improvement in fuel burn through recent modifications. Meijer expressed gratitude for American’s trust in Embraer’s products and people, citing this order as the airline’s largest-ever for E175s.
Upgrading Existing Fleet
In response to the rising demand for a premium travel experience, American Airlines will initiate a retrofit of its Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft starting in 2025.
This retrofit program aims to enhance the interior with various upgrades, including power availability at each seat, expanded overhead bins, and new seats featuring updated trim and finish.
The retrofit for American’s A319 fleet will introduce additional premium seats, bringing the total domestic first-class seats to 12. Similarly, the A320 fleet retrofits will raise the domestic first-class seat count to 16.
Considering both the planned refresh of existing aircraft and the anticipated delivery of new aircraft, American expects its premium seating capacity to increase by over 20% by 2026.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.