American
Airlines has just disclosed that it has submitted orders for 260 new
aircraft; namely, 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 90 Embraer E175
model airplanes. As part of its order with major aircraft manufacturer Boeing, American
is upgauging 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft, bypassing the
embattled
737 MAX 9 entirely.
These new equipment
orders signal a strategic investment in the modernization and expansion of its
fleet, in particular its efforts to expand premium seating across its
narrowbody and regional fleets, but also to support the long-term stamina of
its domestic and short-haul international arsenal.
“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,” American’s CEO, Robert
Isom, said in a statement. “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.”
The company's
commitment to bolstering its fleet with newer and more efficient aircraft is
evidenced by the fact that it has acquired more than 600 mainline and regional
aircraft over the past decade. With this latest announcement, the number of
planes that American currently has on order rises to 440. This should put the Big
Four airline in a strong position to the keep up with the increasing demand for
air travel well into the next decade.
“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.”
PHOTO: American Air Boeing 737. (Photo via American Air)
Narrowbody
Fleet Modernization
Its new aircraft purchases
align with the carrier's growth strategy for the coming years, focusing on
measured expansion while maintaining operational efficiency with sustained deliveries.
During the past decade, the A321neo, A321 and A320 aircraft have been pivotal
in serving American's domestic and short-haul international routes, with the
A321neo playing a particularly versatile role.
“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.”
Moreover, American
Airlines is also looking to the future with this new order of Boeing 737 MAX 10s
and eagerly anticipates the model’s certification. The airline’s fleet
currently contains 737 MAX 8s, but upgauging is to enhance operational
flexibility across its network. 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.
American Airlines' Embraer E175 regional aircraft. (Photo Credit: American Airlines)
Regional Fleet Upgauging
In parallel,
American Airlines is prioritizing the expansion of its regional fleet,
transitioning towards larger, dual-class regional aircraft to better serve
smaller markets, as well as to enhance overall connectivity across its global
network. American foresees retiring all of its 50-seat single-class regional
jets by the end of the 2020s, instead serving small and medium-size regional markets
with these larger jets.
Once all of the Embraer
E175s are delivered, plans call for these dual-class jets with premium seating,
high-speed satellite Wi-Fi and in-seat power to make up Americans’ entire
regional fleet. American’s wholly-owned regional carriers will be the ones to
operate this set of new E175 aircraft
“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. “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.
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