American Airlines recently made headlines with their announcement of ordering 260 new planes. This order includes 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 Max 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. Additionally, there are options for an additional 193 aircraft. The airline is looking to add premium seats across its narrowbody and regional fleets, catering to domestic and short-haul international routes.
Boeing Order Switch
As part of the Boeing order, American Airlines has decided to switch 30 existing 737 Max 8 orders to the 737 Max 10, which is a larger plane capable of accommodating up to 25 more passengers. However, it is important to note that the Max 10 has not yet been certified by the FAA. Nonetheless, American is optimistic about the Max 10’s certification and looks forward to the flexibility it will provide across its network.
American Airlines is proud to continue operating the largest number of A320 family aircraft among all carriers. The addition of A321neos will further strengthen their fleet. Moreover, the focus on bringing larger regional aircraft like the E175 into the fleet is aimed at enhancing connectivity from smaller markets to the airline’s global network. The plan is to retire all 50-seat single-class regional jets by the end of the decade.
To meet the increasing demand for premium seats, American Airlines plans to retrofit its A319 and A320 aircraft starting in 2025. The retrofit will include adding power at every seat, installing larger overhead bins, and updating the seats with new trim and finish. This will result in more premium seating options, with the number of domestic first-class seats expected to grow significantly by 2026.
American Airlines’ recent aircraft orders signify a strategic move to enhance its fleet, cater to growing demands, and improve the overall customer experience. By diversifying its aircraft types, focusing on premium seating, and investing in fleet modernization, the airline is positioning itself for future success in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
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