Fort Worth-based American Airlines on Tuesday announced it has reached a grand milestone: the addition of the 1,000th plane to its mainline fleet.
The aircraft, a premium Boeing 787-9 also known as the 787-9 Dreamliner, arrived at DFW International Airport on Aug. 29, American said. It includes American’s recently announced Flagship Suite. The airline has received eight 787-9 aircraft since April and said it expects to have 33 on hand by the end of 2025.
It’s the first time that American has hit quadruple digits on aircraft counts, at least for planes in its mainline fleet, which does not include regional aircraft.
American has hovered at just under 1,000 since the 2013 merger with US Airways brought its count to 970. Before the merger, American had about 614 jets in its mainline fleet.
The 787-9P is currently used to fly three routes:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport to London Heathrow Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International to Los Angeles International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport to London Heathrow Airport
American has said it plans to fly the 787-9P from Philadelphia to Zurich, as well as a route from DFW Airport to Brisbane, Australia.
The 244-seat plane was officially rolled out in May with the purpose of providing customers with a luxurious ride on long-haul international flights, The Dallas Morning News reported. Each of the aircraft have 51 Flagship Suites with amenities like chaise lounge seating, privacy doors and expanded personal storage. Passengers who purchase a Flagship fare receive a dual-sided cool touch pillow, a duvet, slippers and noise-canceling earphones.
The aircraft also includes eight Flagship Suite Preferred seats and 32 revamped Premium Economy seats.
“We are excited to grow our fleet, adding even more aircraft that offer customers a premium travel experience,” Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, said in a statement. “Looking forward to our next 100 years, we are focused on elevating and reimagining the onboard cabin experience along with every aspect of the customer travel journey.”
American Airlines’ regional fleet will include about 566 jets at the end of 2025, the company said. American exclusively flies Embraer and Bombardier jets with its regional airlines, including the wholly owned Envoy, PSA and Piedmont companies.
With 1,000 jets, American Airlines is the second-largest operator of commercial aircraft in the world, behind United Airlines’ 1,044, according to Cirium. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has about 991 jets in its fleet, according to Planespotters.net and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines operates 810 jets, all Boeing 737 models.
China Southern is the largest non-U.S. airline with about 850 jets.
Credit to: Jordan Parker
