American Airlines Nears Order for 65 New Widebody Jets

American Airlines Widebody Order Strategy

American Airlines is in the final stages of a critical widebody procurement campaign for up to 65 new aircraft. This initiative aims to replace the carrier's aging fleet of 47 Boeing 777-200ER (Extended Range) jets. As the airline prepares for fleet renewal in the 2030s, the Boeing 787-10 and the Airbus A330-900neo (New Engine Option) have emerged as the primary contenders for the order.

According to American Airlines CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) Nat Pieper, the competition is currently in the "seventh or eighth inning." The outcome remains uncertain, with Pieper noting that the selection "could go either way." While Boeing maintains a significant advantage through fleet commonality, the executive suggested that Airbus could provide economic incentives to offset the costs of introducing a new manufacturer into the long-haul operation.

Fleet Commonality vs. Economic Leverage

Currently, American Airlines operates an all-Boeing widebody fleet consisting of 137 aircraft, including 20 777-300ERs, 37 787-8s, and 33 787-9s. Maintaining an all-Boeing fleet offers substantial operational benefits, such as streamlined pilot training and shared maintenance infrastructure. However, the airline is weighing these efficiencies against the potential for better pricing and earlier delivery slots offered by Airbus.

This procurement process follows a period of aggressive expansion among U.S. carriers. Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have secured widebody commitments exceeding 80 and 130 aircraft, respectively, to capture growing international premium travel demand. American Airlines currently has only 19 Boeing 787-9s left on firm order, creating a clear need for additional capacity later this decade.

Boeing 787-10 vs. Airbus A330-900neo: Key Specifications

Source: Manufacturer specifications.

Inside the Procurement Economics

The decision carries significant weight for the involved manufacturers. Winning the order would solidify Boeing's monopoly over the American Airlines widebody fleet, securing a long-term backlog of billions. Conversely, an Airbus selection would mark a strategic reversal for the airline, which retired its entire A330 fleet in 2020 to simplify its operations. For Rolls-Royce, an Airbus win would guarantee a massive contract for the Trent 7000 engine, which is the exclusive power plant for the A330-900neo. The 787 Dreamliner By Design - Boeing page confirms the technical capabilities of the Boeing 787-10 as a major competitor in this space.

Selection Timeline and Future Fleet Milestones

American Airlines is expected to finalize its selection and announce a formal order between late 2026 and 2027. Following the finalization of the contract, the airline will prepare for the gradual retirement of its 777-200ER fleet, a process expected to span the 2030s. This timeline aligns with the airline's broader strategy to modernize its long-haul network and address the capacity gaps created by the pandemic-era fleet retirements.

Why This Matters for Fleet Planning

For American Airlines, this decision represents more than a simple aircraft acquisition; it is a fundamental choice between operational simplicity and market-driven flexibility. The transition to a split-fleet model would require significant investment in training and supply chains, yet it provides the airline with essential leverage against potential delivery delays. As major competitors continue to scale their international capacity, the outcome of this RFP (Request for Proposals) will define the carrier's competitive posture for the next two decades.