American Airlines Considers Airbus Return in 65-Jet Widebody
American Airlines is evaluating an order for up to 65 widebody jets from Airbus or Boeing, a decision that could reintroduce Airbus aircraft to its
American Airlines is nearing a decision on a widebody aircraft order for as many as 65 jets. The purchase could end the airline's six-year absence of Airbus jets from its long-haul fleet as it seeks to replace 47 aging Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
American Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper told Airliner World that the competition between Airbus and Boeing "could go either way." The airline has issued a request for proposals and is in the final stages of assessment. The reported 65-aircraft figure may include options, with the eventual commitment likely being smaller. The order addresses both fleet replacement and future network growth, beyond simply maintaining current capacity.
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 smaller and designed for long-haul missions that do not require the larger aircraft's extra range. Pieper has stated a preference for aircraft that are already flying, allowing other carriers to resolve early operational issues. The A330-900 entered service in 2018.
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 much larger plane on every route. Pieper acknowledged Boeing's commonality benefits but said a competitive Airbus proposal could offset them. "We want the best airplane that's suited to the missions we're going to fly," he said.
Boeing's Incumbent Advantage
Boeing remains the straightforward choice. American already operates a large fleet of 787 Dreamliners, simplifying pilot training, maintenance, and parts inventory. The airline operates 70 Dreamliners and has another 19 on firm order, with options for 28 more. Exercising additional 787-9 options presents a simple path for replacement and growth.
The 787-9 offers the range needed for American's longest routes. The newer 777X is another possible candidate but appears less aligned with the immediate need to replace the smaller 777-200ERs. The airline is separately refurbishing its larger 777-300ER fleet through 2027.
A Potential Split Decision
The final order could be split between manufacturers. American might select A330-900s for certain missions where their economics are favorable while using 787-9s for longer routes. This would allow fleet diversification without abandoning the operational benefits of its existing Boeing setup.
For now, both manufacturers remain under consideration. The reported 65-jet order is a proposal, not a completed purchase. The decision will determine whether American's widebody fleet remains all-Boeing or sees Airbus return after its 2020 exit.
