American operates the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, resulting from substantial investment and re-fleeting decisions in recent years. In 2020, American accelerated its fleet simplification efforts by retiring more than 150 older, less fuel-efficient aircraft and saying farewell to several fleet types.
Fleet Age Matters
As of 2022, more than 50% of American’s fleet is less than 10 years old with an average fleet age of 12 years, the youngest among U.S. network carriers. Last year, American welcomed nine new Boeing 787-8 aircraft that are almost 20% more fuel efficient than the planes they replaced and 24 new Airbus A321neos designed with sharklets and engines that help make the aircraft 15% more fuel efficient than previous generation. More new planes are on the way: Over the next five years, American is scheduled to take delivery of more than 170 new mainline aircraft, including more Boeing 787-9s and 737 MAXs, and 50 Airbus A321XLRs.