American Airlines To Fly 200 International Aircraft

American Airlines is preparing to grow its international fleet across the next four years, with several types helping propel the business forward.

The major U.S. carrier remains excited to elevate the customer experience across its fleet and will introduce a new state-of-the-art flagship suite on the 787-9 and A321XLR later this year.

Although the A321XLR has yet to be delivered, it is expected to play a fundamental role in the airline’s operation across many fleets.

American Airlines predicts its international long-haul fleet will grow from the 125 units featured today to 200 by 2029 over the next four years.

The arrival of additional aircraft from the 787 family and the introduction of the A321XLR will be pivotal to achieving this fleet forecasting figure.

Of the 75 aircraft expected to arrive in the coming years, American Airlines expects 40 to be the A321XLR. The Xtra Long Range is key for route flexibility and easing pressures on other existing widebody jets.

Moreover, the A321XLRs will allow the opportunity to launch to new cities from destinations across the United States. This flexibility is what Airbus is excited to offer its airline customers and why the jet has been a hit thus far.

A Big Fleet For The Future

During a recent earnings call, American Airlines also addressed its fleet size and the benefits of retaining the amount of aircraft it does.

The company has one of the world’s largest single-aisle fleets and a sizeable commitment to families, including the A320; it also remains one of the largest 737 operators.

American Airlines says the benefits of having a fleet of this size are pretty straightforward, and that is through the efficiency the fleet offers.

The carrier has condensed its operation to a handful of aircraft types rather than a dozen, dramatically simplifying its day-to-day business. This includes servicing, crew, pilots, supply, and engines.

American Airlines also believes this continues to its widebody operation, keeping a very simplified model and following a pattern seen with United Airlines, which is a love for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The airline’s fleet consists of the -8 and -9 models; American Airlines says that customers love these planes and expect them to continue acting as workhorses for a considerable period.

American Airlines feels it’s far better positioned than some of its competitors regarding the fleet. Capital spending over the long run will be very modest, as they can keep aircraft on longer and postpone the retirement of specific jets where necessary.