American Airlines is evaluating its next long-term aircraft order as the carrier looks to define the future of its widebody fleet.<\/p>\n
Speaking during the company\u2019s recent annual shareholders meeting, CEO Robert Isom said American currently has a request for proposals in the market and is in active discussions with both Airbus and Boeing regarding a potential widebody aircraft order.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been making several long-term investments to improve the business,\u201d Isom said. \u201cOne good example is the work we\u2019re doing right now to shape the future of our widebody fleet. We currently have an RFP in the market and are actively engaging with both Airbus and Boeing as we evaluate our next order for widebody aircraft.\u201d<\/p>\n
The effort comes as American looks beyond its existing aircraft commitments. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier currently has 19 widebody aircraft on order, along with options for 28 more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Planned 777 Retirements <\/p>\n
Isom said the airline is also planning around expected Boeing 777 retirements<\/a> in the 2030s.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven the long lead times associated with widebody deliveries and expected Boeing 777 retirements in the 2030s, now is the right time to define what comes next as we continue to expand and modernize our internationally capable fleet,\u201d Isom shared.<\/p>\n The carrier had previously planned to add the Airbus A350 to its fleet. Those aircraft were originally ordered by US Airways before its 2013 merger with American, but the airline later canceled the A350 order in 2018<\/a> as part of a broader deal for additional Boeing 787s.<\/p>\n