American Airlines, currently holding the title for the largest fleet size worldwide, is set to expand further. The airline has placed an order for 260 new aircraft, with additional options and purchase rights for 193 more planes. In the previous year, the airline incorporated 31 new aircraft into its mainline fleet, including 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, 10 Airbus A321neos, and four Boeing 787-8s.

This recent order marks a significant step in American Airlines’ strategy to increase the availability of premium seats within its narrowbody and regional fleets, as well as to bolster its capacity for growth in both domestic and short-haul international routes.

Airbus Order

Expanding its Airbus portfolio, American Airlines, already the preeminent operator of the A320 family globally, has placed an order for an additional 85 A321neo aircraft. This order elevates its total commitment to 219 units of this aircraft model, reinforcing its status as the leading A321neo customer in North America. Since the inaugural delivery in February 2019, the airline has added 70 A321neos to its fleet, which complement its existing A321ceo aircraft. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales and Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, remarked on the strategic integration of these aircraft within the airline’s route network:

“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.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus.

This year, American Airlines will debut its luxurious Flagship Suite seats on its forthcoming A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 planes, offering privacy doors for its long-haul premium passengers.

Boeing Order

Doubling down on its investment in Boeing, American Airlines has significantly increased its commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX program, enhancing its order tally from approximately 70 to over 150 airplanes. The acquisition includes 115 of the 737-10 model, comprising 85 jets from a new order alongside a conversion of a prior order for 30 of the 737-8 variant. Additionally, the airline has secured options to purchase 75 more 737-10 jets in the future.

By choosing the 737 MAX 10, American Airlines aims to bolster its capacity for long-term expansion within its domestic and short-haul international networks, eagerly anticipating the aircraft’s certification. Currently operating the 737 MAX 8, the airline leverages the 737 MAX family’s operational synergies and adaptability to efficiently cater to the increasing demand for travel.

Commenting on the announcement, Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, emphasized the enduring partnership between the two organizations and American Airlines’ initiative towards operating a more fuel-efficient fleet:

“We deeply appreciate American Airlines’ trust in Boeing and its confidence in the 737 MAX family. American’s selection of the 737-10 will provide even 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.“

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Over the next ten years, the oneworld affiliate plans to expand its fleet with more than 180 Boeing aircraft, including narrowbody 737s and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners that the airline is set to receive.

Enhancing the Embraer Fleet

As part of its strategy to augment premium seating on regional flights, American Airlines is making a significant investment in its short-haul fleet. The airline aims to phase out all its 50-seat, single-class regional jets “by the end of this decade.” It intends to replace them with larger regional jets that offer premium seating, high-speed satellite WiFi, and in-seat power, thereby continuing to serve small and medium-sized markets effectively. Central to this strategy is the airline’s recent order of 90 Embraer E175 jets, with an option for 43 more.

These Embraer planes will feature American Airlines’ standard dual-class layout, accommodating 76 passengers, and will be operated by American’s fully owned regional subsidiaries. Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, shared his thoughts on this unprecedented order:

“The E175 is truly the backbone of the U.S. aviation network, connecting all corners of the country. One of the world’s most successful aircraft programs, the E175 was upgraded with a series of modifications that improved fuel burn by 6.5%. This modern, comfortable, reliable and efficient aircraft continues to deliver the connectivity the U.S. depends on day after day. This represents American’s largest-ever single order of E175s, and we thank American for its continued trust in our products and people.“

Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation