FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) is facing persistent operational challenges with its newly delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as N846AN.
The aircraft has suffered multiple setbacks since arriving from Boeing’s Everett facility, casting a shadow over what should have been a seamless entry into service.
The aircraft’s first few missions, including flights between Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX), were impacted by recurring technical issues and lengthy delays.
These problems raise concerns about the reliability of the jet and the consistency of Boeing’s delivery standards.
American Airlines’ New Boeing 787-9 Issues
American Airlines’ (AA) new Boeing 787-9, registered N846AN, arrived on April 29, 2025, with a delivery flight from Everett (PAE) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
This premium heavy jet, designed with new interiors, was expected to elevate the airline’s long-haul offerings.
However, its entry into service has been marred by recurring maintenance problems. According to OMAAT, the aircraft has faced multiple disruptions, preventing it from completing scheduled flights and causing significant delays.
On June 4, 2025, N846AN was set to reposition from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) as flight AA9783 to prepare for commercial service. Shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered a maintenance issue, forcing it to return to DFW within an hour.
The following day, June 5, it successfully reached Chicago, but the troubles persisted. On June 6, the aircraft was scheduled for its commercial debut, operating flights AA2012 and AA2321 between Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX). Both flights were canceled due to further maintenance issues.
On June 7, the jet managed to complete the outbound flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX), albeit with a two-hour delay caused by crew availability rather than mechanical problems.
However, the return flight, originally set for a quick 90-minute turnaround, faced a staggering 32-hour delay, rescheduled from 1 PM on June 7 to 9 PM on June 8. As a result, of the four commercial flights planned, only one operated, highlighting the severity of the aircraft’s issues.
Concerns Over Aircraft Reliability
There’s speculation surrounding the nature of the aircraft’s repeated problems, though no confirmed cause has been made public.
Unofficial reports suggest issues ranging from engine performance to door malfunctions. While such faults are not unheard of in new aircraft, the pattern observed with N846AN is particularly concerning.
Aviation observers, including @xJonNYC, highlight the ambiguity of whether these issues are minor “growing pains” or symptoms of deeper mechanical faults.
The repeated attempts by American Airlines to deploy the aircraft, followed by consecutive operational failures, indicate that the root problem remains unresolved.
Although new jets are expected to be delivered in near-perfect condition, Boeing’s recent manufacturing lapses, particularly involving quality control, have increased scrutiny over its deliveries.
The setbacks faced by American’s 787-9 add to ongoing industry concerns about Boeing’s reliability.
Next Steps for American Airlines
American Airlines has yet to publicly confirm whether N846AN will be returned to its maintenance hub in Dallas for further diagnostics or sent back to Boeing for more extensive investigation.
Given the aircraft’s spotty start and high-value operational role in long-haul networks, the airline may opt for a more cautious approach before reintroducing it into full commercial service.
The future of N846AN will be closely watched by industry professionals and travelers alike, especially as American aims to expand its premium heavy wide-body fleet.
For now, passengers and crew can only hope the airline resolves the technical setbacks quickly and safely.
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
