American Airlines orders 85 A321neo, 85 B737 MAX 10, 90 Embraer E175
The orders also include options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. As part of the Boeing order, American has upgauged 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft.
American Airlines announced orders for 260 new aircraft, including 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft.
The orders also include options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. As part of the Boeing order, American has upgauged 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft.
“The orders are part of American’s continued investment to expand premium seats across its narrowbody and regional fleets and support the long-term strength of the airline’s domestic and short-haul international network,” reads the release.
“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 American’s CEO Robert Isom. “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.”
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 so the airline can continue to meet the growing demand for air travel.
“We are very pleased to continue our longstanding partnerships with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer with these orders,” said American’s Chief Financial Officer Devon May. “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.”
The aircraft orders support American’s measured growth into the next decade and smooth the delivery schedule in the coming years. Accounting for these orders, American expects to remain within its previously announced guidance for capacity and capital expenditures.
For the past decade, the A321 and A321neo aircraft have flown American’s customers across the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations. American Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 have been delivered as of January 31, 2024. The airline is the world's largest operator of A320 Family aircraft, the world’s largest A321 operator (CEO and NEO) and the largest customer for the A321neo in North America.
“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.”
American is planning for the future with the new order of 737 MAX 10s and looks forward to certification of the aircraft. The airline currently operates the 737 MAX 8 and the addition of the 737 MAX 10 will allow American to continue to upgauge its fleet and provide more flexibility across its network.
The airline is also announcing options to purchase 75 additional 737-10 jets in the future. With firm orders for more than 150 737 MAXs and 25 787 Dreamliners, American will add more than 180 Boeing airplanes to its fleet in the next decade.
“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 of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.”
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.
The new E175 aircraft will be operated by American’s wholly owned regional carriers.
“The E175 is truly the backbone of the U.S. aviation network, connecting all corners of the country,” said Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E175 was upgraded with a series of modifications that improved fuel burn by 6.5%. This represents American’s largest-ever single order of E175s.”
