American Airlines has announced a new order for 260 narrow body aircraft, which includes orders for Airbus, Boeing and Embraer.
260 aircraft incoming
American Airlines has placed an order for the following aircraft:
- 85 Airbus A321neos
- 85 Boeing B737MAX-10s
- 90 Embraer E175s
The orders also include options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. As part of the Boeing order, American has upgauged 30 existing B737MAX-8 orders to B737MAX-10 aircraft.
Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers. 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.
said Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines.
Since 2014, American has taken delivery of more than 600 mainline and regional aircraft. With this announcement, American has 440 aircraft on order, extending its aircraft order book into the next decade. American is the largest single-carrier operator in the world of A320 family aircraft.
The airline says that it is “looking forward to the certification of Boeing B737MAX-10 aircraft”. The airline currently operates the B737MAX-8 and the addition of the B737MAX-10 will allow it to “continue to upgauge its fleet and provide more flexibility across its network”.
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More regional aircraft
The airline expects to retire all of its 50-seat single-class regional jets by the end of the decade and will continue to serve small and medium-size markets with larger regional jets. Dual-class regional jets with premium seating, satellite Wi-Fi and in-seat power are expected to make up American’s entire regional fleet upon completion of the Embraer E175 deliveries. The new E175 aircraft will be operated by American’s wholly owned regional carriers.
American adds that it will be retrofitting its A319 and A320 aircraft beginning in 2025. The retrofit will refresh the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish. The carrier’s A319 aircraft will be outfitted with more premium seats for a total of 12 domestic first class seats. The A320 fleet retrofits will increase the aircraft’s domestic first class seat count to 16.
With the planned refresh of existing aircraft and the expected deliveries of new aircraft, premium seating in American’s fleet is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2026.
Featured image by American Airlines
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