American Airlines Expects 48 New Aircraft Deliveries in 2026

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, operating over 1,000 aircraft and serving nearly 350 destinations across more than 60 countries. The airline has been expanding its fleet in recent years, and is expecting to receive 48 new aircraft in 2026.

Fleet Expansion Plans

The 48 new aircraft expected in 2026 include a mix of 737 MAX 8s, A321neos, and A321XLRs. The airline has already received 22 aircraft in 2026, and is expecting to take delivery of 15 additional A320 family aircraft and 11 Embraer E175s for the remainder of the year. The current figure is lower than the airline's initial expectation of 55 aircraft in 2026, which was later revised to 49 in its April quarterly update.

Aircraft Delivery Schedule

The reduction in expected deliveries is primarily due to the pace of aircraft deliveries from suppliers. The airline's 787 delivery schedule has been pushed back, with one delivery moved from 2026 to 2027 and two aircraft originally scheduled for 2028 brought forward. This leaves American's total 787 commitments unchanged, but the airline does not expect to receive any 787s in 2026.

New Aircraft Orders

American has increased its Airbus commitments by exercising six additional A320-family options. However, the airline has also pushed the associated deliveries out of 2028 and into 2029 and beyond. The changes reduced the airline's aircraft and engine commitments by $873 million in 2028, while adding $953 million in 2029. The decision to add aircraft to the order book while pushing deliveries further out could help American manage its capital spending at a time when it is dealing with high fuel costs and thin margins.

Fleet Modernization

American has invested heavily in modernizing and simplifying its fleet over the past decade. The airline is introducing its new premium Flagship Suite seats on its 787-9s and A321XLRs, and is also planning to bring the product to its 777 fleet. The airline is retrofitting its A319 and A320 aircraft with new seats, and is offering more premium seats than any other airline this summer.

Uncertainty Around 737 MAX 10

The 737 MAX 10 remains a question mark for American, as it has yet to receive certification. Boeing has said that the MAX 10 has entered the final stage of flight testing and development assurance work, and certification flight testing is 98% complete. However, uncertainty remains about when American will actually begin receiving the aircraft, with deliveries currently expected in 2029 and beyond.

Future Fleet Plans

American is preparing for another major fleet decision, having issued a request for proposals to Boeing and Airbus to replace its 47 777-200ERs. The decision will shape the airline's widebody fleet for years to come, although American has not committed to a public timeline for making its selection. Industry observers expect an announcement either in late 2026 or during 2027, with the first deliveries realistically expected between 2028 and 2030.

The following table summarizes American's expected aircraft deliveries in 2026: