American Airlines regional subsidiary Piedmont announced plans Tuesday to add a new aircraft type to its fleet, marking what the company describes as a major “milestone” in its operational growth.
Starting in early 2028, Piedmont will begin integrating Embraer E175 jets into its network.
The E175, a 76-seat regional jet, will offer both business class and economy seating, with 12 seats in business and 64 in the main cabin. Each aircraft will also feature high-speed satellite Wi-Fi and in-seat power for passengers, the airline shared.
“The allocation of new Embraer 175 aircraft to Piedmont is a direct reflection of the Piedmont team’s commitment to safety, operational excellence and customer service,” said Nate Gatten, executive vice president of American Eagle, corporate real estate, and government affairs, in a news release. “We’re excited for the future of American’s regional network and the important role Piedmont will continue to play in it.”
E145s Remain Until At Least 2030
The first of 45 E175s is expected to be delivered during the first quarter of 2028, with entry into revenue service planned for several months later. Piedmont anticipates receiving one or two aircraft per month over three years. During this time, the carrier will continue operating its current fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets.
Piedmont President and CEO Eric Morgan cited the dedication of the airline’s 11,000 employees as a driving factor behind the fleet expansion. “We’re excited about what a new fleet type means for both our team and our customers — more space, more comfort and more style,” Morgan said in a statement.
Founded in 1962 as Henson Aviation, Piedmont has transitioned through seven aircraft types over its history. Its most recent fleet change took place in 2018 with the retirement of the Dash 8 turboprops in favor of the Embraer 145.
The upcoming introduction of a two-class cabin product brings Piedmont in line with many of its regional airline peers, which already operate dual-class aircraft in the American Eagle network. Fellow American Eagle operator Envoy announced Monday plans to add more E175s to its fleet.
Piedmont said the E175 jets will complement its existing Embraer 145 fleet, and both types are expected to operate concurrently into the 2030s. Specific route assignments, maintenance hubs, and crew base plans for the new aircraft are expected to be announced at a later date.
Currently, the regional carrier boasts a fleet of nearly 100 50-seat E145s, around 67 of which are in active service. Piedmont has crew bases in Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
American has three wholly-owned regional subsidiaries. In addition to Piedmont, Envoy operates a fleet of all-E175s, and PSA flies CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 jets.
