American Airlines Nears 65-Jet Widebody Order Decision
American Airlines is evaluating proposals from Airbus and Boeing for up to 65 widebody jets, a decision that could end its all-Boeing long-haul fleet by
American Airlines is nearing a decision on an order for as many as 65 widebody aircraft. The purchase could return Airbus jets to its long-haul fleet for the first time since 2020.
The airline's immediate requirement is to replace its fleet of 47 aging Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper told Airliner World that the competition between Airbus and Boeing "could go either way." He described the process as being in its endgame, though no firm announcement has been made. The reported 65-aircraft figure may include options, and the final commitment could be smaller.
The Fleet Replacement Challenge
American's existing widebody fleet consists of Boeing 777 variants and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline has also deferred some previously ordered Dreamliners, with deliveries pushed to 2028 and beyond. This new order is therefore about both replacing old aircraft and planning for future network growth, not only maintaining current capacity.
A potential Airbus return would mark a reversal for a carrier that has spent years simplifying its fleet around Boeing. American previously operated 24 Airbus A330s inherited through its 2013 merger with US Airways, retiring the last examples six years ago.
The Airbus Proposal
The Airbus option most frequently discussed is the A330-900, though the A350-900 could also be offered. The A330-900 is a smaller aircraft designed for long-haul missions that do not require the A350's additional range and capacity.
Airbus advertises the following specifications for the A330-900:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical Three-Class Capacity | 287 to 303 seats |
| Range | Approximately 7,350 nautical miles (13,600 km) |
These specs would allow American to replace a 777-200ER without deploying a substantially larger aircraft on every route. Pieper has stated a preference for aircraft that are already flying, allowing other airlines to work through early operational issues. The A330-900 entered service in 2018.
However, Airbus must overcome American's existing operational commonality with Boeing. Pieper acknowledged Boeing receives credit for the economic benefits of a single manufacturer fleet, but said those could be offset by a competitive Airbus proposal.
"We want the best airplane that’s suited to the missions we’re going to fly," Pieper said. "There clearly are commonality benefits, but on the other hand each airplane has unique characteristics."
Boeing's Incumbent Advantage
Boeing remains the most straightforward option due to American's existing large 787 fleet and supporting infrastructure. The airline's pilots, maintenance, training, and parts inventory are already organized around the Dreamliner.
American currently operates 70 Dreamliners and has another 19 on firm order, with options for 28 more. Exercising additional 787-9 options could provide a simple path for replacement and growth. The 777X is another possible candidate but appears less aligned with the immediate need to replace the smaller 777-200ERs.
The final decision could involve a split order. American might select A330-900s for certain missions while using 787-9s for longer routes. This would allow fleet diversification without abandoning the benefits of its established Boeing operation. For now, both manufacturers remain under consideration.
