Photo Credit: An American Airlines Boeing 777-200 in Miami. Vincenzo Pace
New York — August 2025
In short: American Airlines trails Delta and United in international widebody aircraft orders, raising concerns about capacity growth.
According to SEC filings, as of the end of 2025, American Airlines holds 137 widebody aircraft on firm order, compared to 158 at Delta and 230 at United. This significant gap suggests American may struggle to match the pace of its larger rivals in expanding long-haul capacity.
Both Delta and United have robust delivery pipelines, with United planning to replace older aircraft and potentially expand its fleet. In contrast, American’s current order book is minimal, indicating a potential disadvantage in meeting future demand.
For TMCs managing international routes, this competitive landscape suggests a need to reassess partnership strategies with airlines. Airlines with larger order backlogs may offer more stable capacity options, while those with smaller backlogs might present opportunities for negotiation or partnership.
What is American Airlines’ current position in the international capacity race?
American Airlines has a significantly smaller order backlog (137 aircraft) compared to Delta (158) and United (230), placing it at a potential disadvantage in expanding international capacity.
Which travel trade segments does this affect?
This primarily affects TMCs and airlines operating in long-haul markets, as capacity availability directly impacts route planning and profitability.
When does this take effect?
The impact is expected to be felt from 2026 onward, as new aircraft deliveries are anticipated to begin in that year.
Reference:Source.
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