American Airlines is moving closer to selecting its next widebody aircraft, with a potential requirement for as many as 65 jets as the carrier prepares for the eventual retirement of its Boeing 777-200ERs during the next decade.
Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper told FlightGlobal that American is in the "seventh or eighth inning" of the selection process, using a baseball analogy to describe a competition that has reached an advanced stage. Airbus and Boeing remain in contention, with Pieper saying the outcome "could go either way."
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The comments provide an update on a process first disclosed by American Chief Executive Robert Isom in June. At the time, Isom confirmed that the airline had issued a request for proposals to Airbus and Boeing for its next widebody order, with deliveries expected to begin in the early 2030s.
Pieper's reference to as many as 65 aircraft also provides a first indication of the potential scale of the campaign. American currently operates 67 Boeing 777s, comprising 47 777-200ERs and 20 777-300ERs, but the two variants have very different age profiles and longer-term roles.
777-200ER replacement
The 47 777-200ERs are at the center of American's longer-term replacement planning. The airline began receiving the type in 1999, more than a decade before its first 777-300ER arrived.
American also plans to reconfigure its 777-200ER cabins, although it has not yet disclosed the new seating configuration or the extent of the modifications.
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The investment comes as American needs to keep the aircraft in service while preparing for their eventual replacement. Production slots for new widebody aircraft are booked years in advance, one reason Isom cited in June for beginning the selection process well before the airline expects to retire its 777s.
American is taking a longer-term approach with the considerably younger 777-300ERs. The carrier introduced the variant in late 2012 and is now carrying out an extensive cabin refurbishment across all 20 aircraft, intended to keep them in service well into the late 2030s.
The first refurbished 777-300ER returned to passenger service on September 2. The new 330-seat configuration includes 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats, 44 Premium Economy seats, 30 Main Cabin Extra seats and 186 Main Cabin seats. The aircraft previously accommodated 304 passengers. American expects to complete the refurbishment of all 20 777-300ERs in 2027.
Airbus and Boeing remain in contention
American has not publicly disclosed which aircraft are being evaluated in the request for proposals. Pieper's latest comments indicate that both Airbus and Boeing remain in contention, but there is no confirmation that a particular model from either manufacturer is favored.
Boeing already has a substantial position in American's long-haul operation. In addition to its 777s, the airline operates the 787-8 and 787-9 and has another 19 787-9s on firm order, along with options for 28 additional Dreamliners.
An Airbus selection would return the European manufacturer to American's widebody operation. The airline previously operated A330-200s and A330-300s inherited from US Airways, but retired its remaining A330s in 2020.
American is simultaneously expanding the premium cabins of its international aircraft. In addition to the 777 programs, the airline has introduced a higher-premium 787-9 configuration and plans eventually to reconfigure its older 787-8s.
