American Airlines Nearing Deal for Jet Order Split Between Airbus and Boeing
American Airlines Close to Placing Order for Narrowbody Jets
American Airlines is on the verge of finalizing an order for around 100 narrowbody jets, with both Airbus SE and Boeing in the mix. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Airbus is likely to secure the larger portion of the deal, with an announcement expected in the upcoming weeks.
Replacing Aging Fleet with Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 Max 8 Jets
The order is set to replace some of the oldest jetliners in American’s fleet amid a constrained market for new aircraft. The final mix of Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 Max 8 jets is still under negotiation, with American looking to secure deliveries for 2027 and beyond.
Boeing’s Challenges and American’s Consideration
Boeing’s recent troubles with its 737 MAX jets, following incidents like the cabin panel tearing off an Alaska Airlines aircraft, have impacted the aerospace industry. Despite ongoing issues with Boeing, American Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer Devon May emphasized the airline’s careful consideration of current events in their decision-making process.
Manufacturer Responses and Industry Outlook
When contacted for comments, Airbus chose not to respond, while Boeing and American Airlines were unavailable for immediate statements. The aircraft order reflects the shifting dynamics within the aerospace industry, influenced by recent challenges and the need for fleet modernization.
Summary
American Airlines is navigating through the complexities of the aerospace market to secure a significant order split between Airbus and Boeing. The impending deal marks a strategic move towards fleet modernization, amidst industry challenges and shifting dynamics.
