Amid a process in which it seeks $ 12 billion in loans to maintain its operation, American Airlines decided to retire 105 more aircraft ahead of schedule. The airline, which had previously scheduled to withdraw from service its 17 Boeing 767 and 34 Boeing 757, now plans to stop operating nine Airbus A330-300s inherited from US Airways in addition to 20 Embraer E190 jets and 76 Boeing 737-800NG units with longer use.
The information was revealed by Reuters, citing sources, and was not denied by American Airlines. The airline recognizes that it is anticipating phasing out of less efficient aircraft to avoid fuel and maintenance costs.
The US airline has the largest fleet of aircraft in the world, with about 950 jets. The A320 family is the most numerous, with 417 units, but the model most used by American Airlines is the 737-800, with 304 planes. In addition to them, the company has 24 737 Max 8 that are grounded.
The long-range fleet comprises 67 Boeing 777 and 43 Boeing 787 Dreamliner, in addition to 15 A330-200. American orders for new aircraft include the A321XLR, the longest-range variant of the European jet.
In a statement last week, the airline said it would reduce domestic flights by up to 70% and international flights by up to 90%, due to the reflexes caused by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic around the world.
