American Airlines is edging closer to deciding on its next widebody order, and CEO Robert Isom says the contract should be finalised by the end of 2026, with Airbus and Boeing in contention.
However, while a contract would be finalised this year, any aircraft expected to be secured as part of the deal would not enter service until the early to mid-2030s as delivery slots become scarce and American builds slowly.
With ageing fleet types present, American Airlines has also teased that Airbus may have a strong role to play in the contract negotiations and replacement efforts part of the RFP
