American Airlines Nears 65-Jet Order That Could End All-Boeing Widebody Fleet

September 5, 2026 at 10:56 PM2 min

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American Airlines is evaluating proposals from Airbus and Boeing for a widebody order of up to 65 aircraft, a decision that could return Airbus jets to its long-haul fleet after a six-year absence. The airline's immediate requirement is to replace its aging fleet of 47 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The competition remains open, with Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper saying it "could go either way."

Key Facts

American Airlines is considering an order for up to 65 widebody aircraft, which could include Airbus jets for the first time since 2020.
The airline's immediate replacement target is its fleet of 47 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which average 25.8 years old.
American Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper told Airliner World that the competition between Airbus and Boeing "could go either way."
The airline previously operated 24 Airbus A330 aircraft inherited through its 2013 merger with US Airways, retiring the last examples in 2020.
American Airlines has deferred some previously ordered Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with deliveries moved into 2028 and beyond.

Order Evaluation

American Airlines has issued a request for proposals and is assessing its future widebody requirements, with Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper describing the process as being in the endgame. The reported order could include as many as 65 aircraft, but that figure should not be treated as 65 confirmed purchases, as it may include options or purchase rights. The airline's immediate replacement requirement is its fleet of 47 Boeing 777-200ERs, while additional aircraft would support growth and help rebuild capacity lost during the pandemic. American's existing widebody fleet includes Boeing 777 variants and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with some Dreamliner deliveries deferred into 2028 and beyond.

Airbus Opportunity

The Airbus option most frequently discussed is the Airbus A330-900, although the company could also offer the Airbus A350-900. A potential Airbus return would be a notable reversal for a carrier that has spent years simplifying its fleet around Boeing widebodies. American previously operated 24 Airbus A330 aircraft inherited through its 2013 merger with US Airways, but retired the last examples in 2020. The current evaluation does not establish that Airbus will win, and the order could still favor Boeing or divide between the two manufacturers.