(Still) The World's Largest: The American Airlines Fleet In 2024

It’s been nearly two years since we examined the fleet of American Airlines. The oneworld alliance member had the largest collection of aircraft in the world at the time, and, well, it still retains that title today! In this video, we’ll examine the types of aircraft operated by American, the number of aircraft, changes since 2022, and any news relating to the current and future fleet.
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[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

Still, breaking down the numbers does go to show where American's priorities lie vs. its competitors. American, Delta and United are all roughly the same size when it comes to fleet size (and American and Delta have actually been trading the title of "largest airline worldwide by fleet size" back and forth the past few years as new aircraft get delivered and older ones are retired). As of February 2024, their fleet sizes are 979 (Delta), 957 (American), and 948 (United). But then you look at their narrowbody fleet size vs. their widebody fleet size, and things really show. * American's widebody fleet as of February 2024 is comprised of 126 aircraft and divided between the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner (47 Boeing 777-200ERs, 20 Boeing 777-300ERs, 37 Boeing 787-8s, and 22 Boeing 787-9s with more on the way). Widebody aircraft make up 13.1% of American's fleet (and it used to be a lot larger before COVID, during which American retired their Boeing 767-300ERs and the Airbus A330s they inherited from US Airways). Consequently, American's intercontinental network is merely a fraction the size of its competitors, with the main focus being on Europe and South America travel. There's not much in the way of a transpacific network, and there's no presence in Africa. * United's widebody fleet as of February 2024 is comprised of 220 aircraft, divided between the Boeing 767s, 777s, and 787 Dreamliner (37 Boeing 767-300ERs, 16 Boeing 767-400ERs, 19 Boeing 777-200s, 55 Boeing 777-200ERs, 22 Boeing 777-300ERs, 12 Boeing 787-8s, 38 Boeing 787-9s, and 21 Boeing 787-10s). Widebody aircraft make up 23.2% of United's fleet. Such a large widebody fleet is the reason why United has a significantly larger intercontinental network compared to its competitors, with heavy focus on Europe, Asia and Oceania, and a fairly healthy amount of focus on South America and Africa. * Delta's widebody fleet as of February 2024 is comprised of 162 aircraft, and they are the only one of the big three to use Airbus widebody aircraft (11 Airbus A330-200s, 31 Airbus A330-300s, 27 Airbus A330-900neos, 28 Airbus A350-900s, 44 Boeing 767-300ERs, and 21 Boeing 767-400ERs). Widebody aircraft make up 16.5% of Delta's fleet. Delta's intercontinental network is somewhere in between the size of American's and United's networks; they serve all six populated continents like United does, although their presence in Oceania is somewhat limited (only serving SYD and AKL from LAX) and their European presence is very centered around CDG and AMS (not coincidentally hubs for Delta's SkyTeam partners Air France and KLM).

[@TGK02]

To add to your statement on Delta, they’re also adding the A35K and even more A359’s and A339’s by 2030 too. Although their 763’a are going to be retired soon, there will be just as much, if not more seats available on flights, especially in the European and transcontinental sectors.

[@ljthirtyfiver]

United …with the largest route structure takes the cake for me ….and that is the point of an airline of its magnitude. Global reach

[@rajnirvan3336]

The fleet number currently is 957 with AA. Delta is leading by 21 more planes. Always flips and flops between AA or DL fleet wise

[@SaqeebKhan910]

Been waiting a long time for these types of videos, it's the best

[@TemporaryChannelName]

ALL PLANES HAVE FEELINGS

[@eamonahern7495]

That's a lot of A319s. It's interesting that there are more first class seats than premium economy

[@jshumphress13]

I flew on one of their 321 NEOs in November. It was nice, and that’s about all I can say. I flew on their regional “American Eagle” to and from the major airports, and they were fine too. Certainly no frills and a tighter fit, but you’d be silly to expect MORE legroom on a regional jet. Everything has been on time when I’ve flown with them so 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@removefromme]

The leg room on their regional jets are not awful. The flights are fairly short anyways.

[@stevemiller7075]

AA also purchased the last 10 A321's from Alaska. Due into service this spring.

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

Brilliant👍

[@Aleksandar6ix]

If you like this fleet, you can watch Stig Aviation do line maintenance on them out of LAX! There's so much to learn, including how American typically only uses the Max on the east coast

[@sandhyagaur2769]

6:51 why was the rat deployed?

[@paavangoyal312]

Same question

[@tariqalmahruqi898]

If it not an emergency, most probably it’s a test flight. Worse case scenario someone messed up big time.

[@AaronJiju64]

Wow that’s a lot of planes

[@adrianalvarez9130]

American didn’t order any 777x yet they should be getting of the 200ER since it’s the oldest and replace the 767s, 757s by getting more 777x that way there are more ways for long haul

[@Your_Local_Nerd]

American Airlines is one of my favorites, and thankfully I live right next to their main hub

[@fredlacerda]

Living in DFW is honestly a cheat code

[@Your_Local_Nerd]

@@fredlacerda only downside is like 80% of the planes i see are American 737’s or A320’s 😭

[@juanmontoya3569]

Same, my dude Same

[@prasmitdevkota4251]

@@Your_Local_Nerd how is that a downside?

[@Your_Local_Nerd]

@@prasmitdevkota4251 because i see the exact same plane and airline all over again

[@angelorobel12]

I looked up on Planespotters about the age of the different aircraft types operated by American Airlines. They operate 48 A320-200s that are an average age of close to 23 years old which is the oldest type.

[@angelorobel12]

However, Delta and United Airlines operate their A320s while being at an average age of more than 23 years old.

[@benjaminliu5813]

wow thats a lot of planes

[@thebaseballcow2024]

My favorite airline!

[@divid3dbyZero]

That is a staggering number of planes for a single company.

[@user-of5lw4oy3c]

Wonderful fleet.

[@hagdore]

I'm an aircraft whisperer, and I can tell you, aircraft do indeed have feelings.

[@Ayden2008]

DANG +71 max 8’s

[@Ayden2008]

Ok about the XLR, it may be certified for service this year, but may not be first delivered until 2025

[@user-hq3zh6vr1r]

Add another 574 to the fleet for all their regional affiliates!!

[@ferrysupandji4795]

Another important aspect of an airline is their service..... Inflight and ground

[@sainnt]

Looking forward to seeing the new AA cabins, especially with IFE, which only seems to be present in their longhaul fleet. Since they are deferring delivery of some 787 aircraft, there's a possibility that AA will switch some of those orders to the 777-8 or 777-9.

[@chrissmith2114]

Or even 'shock horror' buy Airbus, the days are gone when carriers blindly bought Boeing, now they can get better aircraft from Airbus.... Too may nasty surprises in Boeing aircraft these days due to their almost total absence of quality control.

[@sainnt]

@@chrissmith2114 American Airlines got rid of all its Airbus widebody aircraft. Nowadays airlines are going to fleet commonality, so it's highly unlikely that they will order the A350, but anything can happen.

[@abhirams7519]

The video shot pdx aviation, anyone know RAM Air turbine is on. I thought they only used during engine failure. Or am I wrong

[@paavangoyal312]

it is only for engine failure, or electrical failure maybe?

[@paavangoyal312]

see, both engines are working, as seen from the exhaust so, idk

[@juneabbey9538]

Ohhh! That flashing flashing flashing background at 1:40 and either side.

[@dennisthebrony2022]

I hope AA returns the larger 787-9 to Tokyo soon!

[@SomeOriginalChannelName]

It looks like they're swapping to the 787-9 for the summer season starting early April. I'm flying DFW-HND in mid-march on a 787-8, but my return flight in early april is on a 787-9

[@dennisthebrony2022]

@@SomeOriginalChannelName Oh, I forgot to mention from LAX

[@yedukrishna5816]

What is that small fan under the belly of that 787? 3:55

[@motioncompensation1544]

That’s a Ram Air Turbine or RAT. It generates electricity in emergency situations, when other power sources are unavailable.

[@AviationCommercials]

Recently enjoyed the A319 up front. I have had two great flights recently. Similar to Delta's 717s. Those smaller jets are just my preferences.

[@sundragon7703]

Wonder why American decided to retain their 767s when air freight companies like Amazon Prime Air were snapping them up for conversion?

[@nicolassmithgarcia2884]

Can you do Delta next

[@dennisthebrony2022]

I think the only cabin they will not retrofit as far as I know will be the 777-200ERs, since they are close to being retired in the 2030s

[@rajnirvan3336]

I wish AA would try get B787-10 to try replacing them

[@skandhanambiar]

Make one for air india and indigo please

[@mr.e3937]

Can you do Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

[@akwasiboat]

*Such a wide range of different variants.*

[@pyromcr]

Where wide bodies?

[@MarechalAviador]

What about the 757 and 767?

[@rajnirvan3336]

They were retired start of the decade. As were A330 200 and 300s. They were short lived in AA fleet. They were acquired from US Airways. They could have kept them a little more

[@EuropeanRailfanAlt]

That's a very big fleet, but I prefer United's and Delta's because those fleets are more varied in aircraft types.

[@nabillarif]

I always thought Turkish is number one now...

[@chiagozienjoku7198]

No 777x orders? Why

[@doccyber]

Missing 4 engine wide bodies. Don’t like cramming more people into A320 family or 737s and calling them medium haul aircraft’s. 5 to 6 hours in these cramped cabins are torture. Miss 767

[@paavangoyal312]

the subtitles are scuffed

[@Peteliao]

I have executive platinum on AA. Can’t wait to fly on these new planes

[@ronaldfish1569]

Absolutely love, American airlines fleet and the company. Our only fly American.

[@dennisthebrony2022]

I’m sure gonna miss the 777-200ERs when they are retired in the 2030s!

[@rajnirvan3336]

I managed to get the opportunity to fly on AA B777 200 in 2019. Was my 1st time on any B777 as well.

[@dennisthebrony2022]

@@rajnirvan3336 My first time ever flying a 777 was from Manila to Seoul in Summer 2018 on Asiana Airlines, also on a 777-200ER!!

[@rajnirvan3336]

@@dennisthebrony2022 with me was from DFW to MIA. However it wasn't meant to initially be like this. Originally was supposed to be LAS to MIA but a month before was changed. Wasn't happy at 1st but was in the end worthwhile. I was on tour from London to LA, Hawaii, Las Vegas and concluded in Miami after 2 and a bit weeks

[@cesarbem3314]

Why? The 300 is much better.

[@rajnirvan3336]

@@cesarbem3314 certainly looks better. I have yet to go on it

[@SCUBA_5teve]

Single aisle trans-ocean and trans-con of 6+ hours is just painful in Economy.

[@iceman9678]

It might be time for American to buy Alaskan (and Hawaiin).

[@kazijeny8899]

4:03 no one notised

[@classicalricky]

The subtitles don't match the video 😂

[@jed1729]

Where did all the 747-400 go

[@rajnirvan3336]

AA sadly never flew B747-400

[@blackhole9961]

AA retired the 747 in 1994

[@rajnirvan3336]

@@blackhole9961 It was in and around that time. Don't think it ever crossed their minds to purchase 747s after. Only UA, NW acquired later buy DL only flee 747s. As did CO. They retired theirs early 2000s. US Airways never had it. PA & TWA had it until both companies sadly ended

[@AlfCalson]

✈️

[@ap98769]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@Wheninflight]

I can see an A350 order in the future from American. The -900 and -1000 easily replace the -200ER and -300ER by capacity and range. I do want to know how the A320 replacement will play out: they could easily replace them all with the MAX 8, but still retain the original A320 pilot bases.

[@rajnirvan3336]

They were meant to be the 1st US operator to get A350 900. Was ordered by US Airways but after purchasing US order was cancelled. Delta then got A350 900. Recently ordered 22 A350-1000

[@Wheninflight]

@@rajnirvan3336 I read online they said they really liked the A350, but had their commitments with the US Airways merger.

[@rajnirvan3336]

@@Wheninflight yes that is correct. Also similarly UA initially placed an order for 30 A350-1000s but later converted for 45 900s. The orders were meant to be early part this decade where then deferred to 2027 and again 2030. Now don't know what happening in terms of them purchasing. If I remember UA done that with their orders of B777-300ER.

[@Wheninflight]

@@rajnirvan3336 I can see them taking on their -900’s eventually. I think they are the best replacement for the -200’s.

[@rajnirvan3336]

@@Wheninflight Oh definitely. Be the ideal replacement. Since UA already has B777-300ER wouldn't really need A350-1000 as such. Qatar had issues with A350-1000 and Airbus recently but all been resolved. I wish AA or UA would try A330 900 NEO. That's currently my favourite plane. DL have it in their fleet. Delta have a near Airbus fleet recently. To me I'm pleased they finally purchased A350-1000 and being 1st US operator to fly it. Will suit them perfectly. And apparently designed to replace their ageing B767 300 & 400ERs. UA are aiming same desposing their B767s too. I went on A350-1000 recently with Virgin Atlantic. A fantastic plane too

[@skyserf]

According to Planespotters American Airlines operates a fleet of 967 aircraft Delta Air Lines operates a fleet of 979 aircraft United Airlines operates a fleet of 948 aircraft According to aviationsourcenews American will have 15 new aircraft delivered in 2024 Delta Airlines deliveries delayed until 2024(?) United will have 127 new aircraft delivered in 2024 Numbers at the end of 2024 American 982 Delta 979 United 1075

[@javierpanganiban]

American has more planes than I have brain cells

[@orionwesley]

Bizarre livery, impressive fleet. 🏆🎖✨💖

[@azallrounder9200]

Can we get the same for Aeroflot

[@Npzsn83]

American needs more wide bodies and needs to be more aggressive expanding routes from their hubs outside of London.

[@sportsMike87]

And they just raised bag fees.

[@AdilsAviation]

first comment

[@chrissmith2114]

Delta has a lot of its huge fleet made up of Airbus aircraft, and does AA, United is following suit with acquiring Airbus aircraft as well. Boeing has always relied on done-deal sales to USA carriers, but it seems that rather than being persuaded to buy Boeing, the carriers are buying the best - which these days means Airbus.....

[@Patrickair4444]

American Airlines

[@gregorythompson5826]

Please American for the love of God ditch the EMB145! You can't fly them forever surely!?

[@CompositesNG]

Forgot to mention the E-190’s.

[@sash3450]

pretty sure those e190s are all owned by American Eagle(Envoy). The 967 planes mentioned in the video is the mainline fleet

[@EuropeanRailfanAlt]

American doesn't operate E190s since 2020. They operate E170s and E175s under American Eagle.

[@vashonm]

How they are the worst run and poorest in America lol they have more debt than 3 USA carriers combined.

[@paulshields2220]

Because the US government will just bail them out. They’re too big to fail like the banks and auto industry. Yet all of them are collapsing all the time.

[@paulshields2220]

But it’s ok the shareholders and executives get their millions in payouts every year

[@jeremychoo934]

Take away the aircraft that AA use for domestic routes, AA can’t compete with other airlines that operate purely international fleets.

[@cesarbem3314]

I did not like the 757 and the 767. RIP.

[@wadehiggins1114]

Even if boeing jets were exploding due to poor design, american and united would still order them by the hundreds.

[@FlyByWire1]

American only ever operated the MAX 8 and all of its issues were fixed years ago. There is nothing wrong with the MAX. The Alaska incident was related to quality control, not defective design.

[@markusstudeli2997]

It's in their vital interest to keep Boeing going. Else they would have to queue up behind all these European and Asian Airlines who ordered Airbus ahead of them.

[@zyancuerdo1615]

What choice do they have europe asia and delta already got ahead of them that they'll have to wait years for their airbus delivery one of the problem of duopoly

[@user-hq3zh6vr1r]

This is what happens when you allow children to add comments !!!

[@wadehiggins1114]

@@user-hq3zh6vr1r typical american

[@SUBSCRIBE4AVIATION]

DELTA JETBLUE AMERICAN UNITED SOUTHWEST 👇agree

[@thailandrose2603]

After watching this video, I feel like I just watched a commercial for the 787 Nightmare Liner. Two thumbs down to Simple Flying.

[@FlyByWire1]

There is nothing wrong with the 787. What’re you talking about?

[@kencohen4264]

Worst airline ever, had a drunk pilot and had crew cover for him. Over an hour late sobering up - never again