Korean Air has confirmed a major deal with Airbus for a new generation of long-haul planes.
04.03.2024 - 19:21 / skift.com / Robert Isom / Gordon Smith
American Airlines has announced a blockbuster new aircraft order, from not one but three different manufacturers.
A total of 260 new jets are on the way, in a deal worth billions of dollars. But which planes has it selected and what does this tell us about the future direction of the Dallas-based carrier?
American is doubling down on the Boeing 737 Max. The airline has confirmed an additional 85 of the type will be joining its fleet, complementing existing orders for 70 units.
Notably, American isn’t simply buying more of the 737 Max 8 which it already operates. It has placed its first order for the 737 Max 10. This model, which is the largest single-aisle plane currently produced by Boeing, is yet to be certified to enter commercial service.
Alongside a conversion for 30 planes from an earlier order, a total of 115 Max 10s are now bound for the airline – a major vote of confidence in the troubled program.
American’s existing Max 8s typically seat 172 passengers in a two-class setup. The new Max 10s could carry up to 230 travelers, however, the company is likely to opt for a less dense configuration.
In related developments, American also confirmed it is acquiring non-binding rights to buy an extra 75 737 10s. These options can be exercised at a later date at a time that suits the airline. The Texas-based operator also has a firm order for 25 more Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebodies.
In what could be interpreted as a classic case of boardroom diplomacy, American has placed an order for exactly the same number of Airbus A321neos. A total of 85 extra planes are part of the deal, which sees the airline’s overall orders for the type rise to 219 aircraft.
To say that American already has experience with the A321 would be an understatement. Even before today’s order, it was the world’s largest operator of the type, flying the classic and new engine (neo) variants.
The airline accepted delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 had joined the fleet by the end of last month.
American is also due to receive the A321XLR (extra-long range) version, with 50 in the pipeline. Robert Isom, the airline’s CEO, described his expectations for the new Airbus jet at last year’s Skift Aviation Forum.
In other news, the airline also announced Monday that it plans to retrofit its Airbus A319s and A320s in 2025 to accommodate more first class seating as part of a push to meet growing demand for premium travel.
While they might lack the curb appeal of a long-haul airliner, American’s regional jet fleet is an unsung workhorse. The airline has placed an order for 90 Embraer E175s, with options to buy a further 43 planes for its American Eagle brand.
To maximize fleet standardization and target higher-yielding
Korean Air has confirmed a major deal with Airbus for a new generation of long-haul planes.
American Airlines previously announced a new flight service to begin this summer from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). However, the service was pending the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) review. The service has been approved and will be the only U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between JFK and HND.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) continues to push back against American Airlines' controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) rollout.On Monday, the Alexandria, Virginia-based organization launched a weeklong ad campaign in POLITICO magazine in hopes of influencing lawmakers in Washington, D.C.Beginning May 1, American will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and loyalty accrual points through agencies unless they are deemed "preferred," a status achieved by having a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline or by booking through American NDC channels and reaching progressive sales thresholds of 30 percent by April 21, 50 percent by October 31 and 70 percent by April 30, 2025."This latest development doubles down on American Airlines' clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit," ASTA stated.Additionally, ASTA is offering a toolkit for travel advisors to reach out to their congressional representatives. The organization is also encouraging members to send their clients to SaveMyMiles.com to take action."Tell them to stop AA from disenfranchising customers who book through travel agencies by telling Congress—don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice," says ASTA.
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American Airlines is introducing a new fleet of planes at its New York hub.The carrier will add the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to a report from The Points Guy. The publication identified the airline’s plans through Cirium schedules, and subsequently confirmed the news with an airline spokespersonThe new 285-seat plans will be serving American’s New York to New Delhi route beginning October 27. The new plan will replace Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently flying between New York and New Delhi.American Airlines plans to add several Dreamliners to its New York-based fleet in conjunction with expanding the number of pilots it has operating from New York.“This weekend, American Airlines adjusted the aircraft type operating between New York (JFK) and New Delhi (DEL) starting in October. We will continue to offer daily nonstop service on this route as we optimize our network and fleet,” an airline spokesperson told The Points Guy in a statement.About 30 Dreamliners will be added to American Airline’s stable of planes over the coming years, according to The Points Guy. The first Dreamliner anticipated to come online later this year. The planes contain 51 Flagship Business suites, 32 premium economy seats, 18 Main Cabin Extra economy seats and 143 standard economy seats.
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American Airlines said on Monday that it had placed an order for 260 new planes in roughly equal numbers from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. It is the airline’s largest aircraft order since 2011 and reflects the strength of demand for air travel.
American Airlines has just disclosed that it has submitted orders for 260 new aircraft; namely, 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 90 Embraer E175 model airplanes. As part of its order with major aircraft manufacturer Boeing, American is upgauging 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft, bypassing the embattled 737 MAX 9 entirely.