TRAVEL · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
American Airlines Nears 65‑Jet Wide‑Body Order, Could Bring Airbus Back to Long‑Haul Fleet
WHY IT MATTERS
The decision will determine whether American Airlines returns to Airbus for long‑haul, affecting maintenance, training, and supplier contracts, and could influence other carriers’ fleet choices.
What happened
American Airlines is close to deciding on a wide‑body order that could total up to 65 aircraft, a move that would reintroduce Airbus jets to its long‑haul fleet after a six‑year absence. The airline is reviewing proposals from both Airbus and Boeing, with the immediate focus on replacing its aging Boeing 777‑200ER fleet.
The choice of aircraft will shape American’s international lineup through the 2030s, though the final selection remains undecided.
The potential shift could alter maintenance, training, and supplier arrangements for the carrier’s long‑haul operations.
DEVELOPING STORY
Story timeline
PRIMARY SOURCES
American Airlines Nears 65-Jet Order That Could End Its All-Boeing Widebody Fleet
Simple Flying · Jack McGarity · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply