American Airlines has signed orders for 260 new Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft including 85 A321neo, 85 737 MAX 10, and 90 E175 aircraft. with further secured options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft.
American Airlines has announced a significant fleet expansion and modernization plan, placing orders for a total of 260 new aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. The order includes 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. In addition to firm orders, the airline has secured options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. The move is part of American’s strategy to expand premium seats across its narrowbody and regional fleets, supporting the long-term growth of its domestic and short-haul international network.
Airbus A321neo Order:
American Airlines has placed an order for 85 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The A321neo has been a reliable workhorse for the airline, flying customers across the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations for the past decade. This aircraft order reaffirms American’s commitment to the A321 family, known for its efficiency and versatility. The airline currently holds the title of the largest single-carrier operator of A320 family aircraft globally.
“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,” said Robert Isom, CEO, American. “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,” he further added.
Boeing 737 MAX 10 Order:
American Airlines has ordered 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to Boeing’s MAX family. The 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant in the MAX series, offering greater efficiency, commonality, and flexibility for global network operations. This order includes the upgauging of 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft, providing American with fleet flexibility.
“We are very pleased to continue our longstanding partnerships with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer with these orders,” said Devon May, Chief Financial Officer, American. “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,” he further added.
Embraer E175 Order:
American Airlines has placed an order for 90 Embraer E175 aircraft, making it the largest single order of E175s by the airline. These dual-class regional jets with premium seating, high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, and in-seat power will play a crucial role in connecting smaller markets to American’s global network. The new E175s will be operated by American’s wholly owned regional carriers.
“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single-aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “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,” he further added.
Fleet Modernization and Enhancement: American Airlines plans to retire all of its 50-seat single-class regional jets by the end of the decade, focusing on bringing larger, dual-class regional aircraft into its fleet. The airline will retrofit its A319 and A320 aircraft starting in 2025, refreshing the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and new seats with updated trim and finish. The A319 fleet will see an increase in premium seats to a total of 12 domestic first-class seats, while the A320 fleet retrofits will bring the domestic first-class seat count to 16.
Long-Term Growth and Investment:
“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,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “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,” he further added.
With the latest orders, American Airlines now has 440 aircraft on order, extending its order book into the next decade. The airline has taken delivery of over 600 mainline and regional aircraft since 2014, reinforcing its commitment to a modern and efficient fleet.
“The E175 is truly the backbone of the U.S. aviation network, connecting all corners of the country,” said Arjan Meijer, CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “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,” he further added.
Also Read- American Airlines Orders 85 Additional A321neo Aircraft
The strategic decisions, including the upgauging of existing orders, signify American Airlines’ focus on providing enhanced customer experiences, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The continued collaboration with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer reflects the airline’s confidence in its longstanding partnerships and the capabilities of the respective aircraft manufacturers.
