Jacobin777

Non sequitur....the plane hasn't even been built yet. When Airbus flies their A359XWB to various airports to locations such as DXB, SYD, etc. should carriers say the same thing? I.e.-"its late and this isn't right plane-let alone a plane we haven't ordered"?

Sounds rather childish to me.

Actually since both Airbus and Boeing are financing the deals 100% (IIRC until 2017), deposits will be small.

rfrost

Nearly 150 posts and this is only one of three touching on the subject of upgrades? That, far more than IFE or even flat beds, is my primary concern.
I'm not much of a fan of the 738's stingy 4 rows of F seats, which I really hope is not indicative of a trend in the direction of shrinkage. Those UA configs are deadly.

sxf24

The 737 has also gone through similar evolution with current deliveries having lower weight, better aerodynamics and more efficient engines, resulting in much lower cash operating costs than initial deliveries in the late '90s.

FlyerTalker688786

B737
2009-2010: AA took 76 B738
2011-2013: AA will have 54 B738
2013-unknown*: The first of 100 B737 will arrive.
Unknown*- 2025: The promised new B737 type, AA will have 100

*: source indicates 2017, but you know the problem with the proposed new B737....

B772
2013-2016: 7 new B772

B773ER
2012-2013: 8 of the new B773ER

B787
2014-2025: Will start to take 42 of the B787, but from the news press, AA is highly likely to exersice the option of 58, so the total is up to 100

A320
2013-2017: 130 of the current A320
2017-2025 130 of the new A320NEO

There are still 225 mad dogs running around USA under AA flag. By this speed, we will have roughly 130 Mad Dogs running into 2014 then gradually being placed by new A320 and B737. We may say goodbye to the Mad Dogs finally between 2016-2018, mostly likely to be 2017 when the A320NEO arrives......So the AA future between 2017-2025 would be:

Domestic/Canada/Caribbean:
B737-800
A320
A321
with B763/B772/B787 using in occasionally domestic rotation for international getaway

South America/Central America:
B737-800
B737-900ER
A320
A321
B767-300ER
B772

Asia:
B773ER
B787

Europe:
B737-900ER
possible A321NEO (???)
B767-300ER (????)
B787
B772
B773ER

emma dog

1. Routes I fly
2. Schedule I like
3. Reasonably priced
4. Ease of ff redemption
5. Ff partners
6. Ease of ff earning
7. Friendly front line personnel
8. AAdmirals club
9. Upgrades
10. Only US airline to fly some of my routes at the time.


Ummm.... Fleet isn't in the top 10. In fact, my most recent switch to AA was on the terrible A300.

Personally I like the A319 and A320 over the 737. The slightly larger cabin width is more comfortable especially if you're sitting at the window. I also like the 777 over the A330 and the 747. I'm as loyal of an American as you can find, but blind loyalty to a product only weakens our country... It's time for our manufacturers to step up to the plate and offer superior products.

JNB280

This announcement is hours old, if you are honestly expecting to know the cabin configuration before the exact make up of the new fleet has even been determined, you're going to be disappointed. Consider that no information has been made available concerning the layout of the 773 yet, and those aircraft are scheduled to begin arriving almost a year ahead of this order.

PUCCI GALORE

As an outsider - but a European - I am so pleased that AA bought what it needed and suited their requirements irrespective of the country of origin. This is not their first Airbus order after all

As one who flies Boeing products all her working life - I am interested in my carrier getting the A380 as it will be the first time we have had a European aircraft in years.

legalalien

Besides, as an American, I'll take a BMW or Hyundai assembled in Alabama over Ford or GM made in Mexico. If my decision process even comes to that point.

demkr

This is a positive step for American's future and I am 100% supportive of their order today. This airline needs to be rebranded and remade, and that's what they're doing.

The concerns I would immediately have with the 757s and 762s going is if that means AAers continue to lose premium cabin seats. The specifics of the layouts for these are probably months if not years away-but it is nice to welcome Airbus back to the AA fleet.

This, along with the "official" decision that Eagle is going to eventually be divested, we are finally (after years and years) noticing bolder moves by AA management to get itself back to profitability. Whether it involves a merger with B6 or US obviously is yet to be seen for a long time.

Next step is to re-brand along with a new livery to join the 21st century. Then to be a little bit less conservative with the route network. A good and bold first step.

BrianV

What implications does this have for AA pilots who aren't trained on Airbus? My basic understanding is that flying the planes is different, and during emergency situations it is a completely different animal. Without much detail, Airbus are known for being more computerized while Boeing being more manual. I'm sure the basics of flying are the same, but at this level, the safety protocols and true understanding of the airplane will either need to be taught or hired in. I just wonder if 15 year union AA pilots will be able to adapt to a completely new breed of planes in short order.

Having said that, my #1 concern with an airline is safety. I basically fly for a living, and appreciate safety. Having researched most known commercial aviation crashes, I know that pilot unfamiliarity with airplanes and/or pilot error is the most significant issue.

Finally, I'd imagine there could be a handful of union pilots who will just refuse to fly Airbus because they're union after all and set in their ways.

Just wondering on how this will impact that side of the business.

Ambraciot

chongcao, your plan summary includes 763s but no 757s and also fails to address Hawaii...

I think AA will be flying 757s until they park the last 763 in the desert.

phazedowt

My point was that the variant of the 787 AA is waiting (the 787-8) for hasn't even begun testing yet.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

Supposely Airbus was willing to spring for the cost of much of the pilot training as a means to further entice AA. My only concern would be sufficient reserve pilots around in the event of a pilot calling out sick.

As I also understand it the A321 is a good a/c for high density routes. AA has the option of converting some of its A320s to A319s/A321s. Probably would make an excellent a/c for NYC/MIA routes. I also wonder if more transcons will eventually go to narrow bodies such as the 320NEO or B739.

CubsFanJohn

Remember AA did something similar when they ordered the A300 and the 767-300ER. They essentially played off Boeing and Airbus's offers and ordered both. Glad to see AA getting a little aggressive.

Jacobin777

AA is waiting for the B789.....