American Airlines is evaluating its next long-term aircraft order as the carrier looks to define the future of its widebody fleet.
Speaking during the company’s recent annual shareholders meeting, CEO Robert Isom said American currently has a request for proposals in the market and is in active discussions with both Airbus and Boeing regarding a potential widebody aircraft order.
“We’ve been making several long-term investments to improve the business,” Isom said. “One good example is the work we’re doing right now to shape the future of our widebody fleet. We currently have an RFP in the market and are actively engaging with both Airbus and Boeing as we evaluate our next order for widebody aircraft.”
The effort comes as American looks beyond its existing aircraft commitments. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier currently has 19 widebody aircraft on order, along with options for 28 more.
Planned 777 Retirements
Isom said the airline is also planning around expected Boeing 777 retirements in the 2030s.
“Given the long lead times associated with widebody deliveries and expected Boeing 777 retirements in the 2030s, now is the right time to define what comes next as we continue to expand and modernize our internationally capable fleet,” Isom shared.
The carrier had previously planned to add the Airbus A350 to its fleet. Those aircraft were originally ordered by US Airways before its 2013 merger with American, but the airline later canceled the A350 order in 2018 as part of a broader deal for additional Boeing 787s.
The potential widebody order would follow a major fleet announcement in 2024, when American placed orders for 260 aircraft, including Airbus A321neos, Boeing 737 MAX 10s, and Embraer E175s. That agreement also included options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft.
Isom added that the order helped set American’s narrowbody and regional fleet plans “well into the next decade.”
