American Airlines Test Pilot Flies Boeing 777X: Is a Flagship Order Next?

American Airlines has been actively shopping for widebody aircraft to replace its aging fleet. A test pilot flew Boeing's 777-9, calling it 'AAmazing', which some speculate could indicate a potential order. While American is a major Boeing customer, the airline is also considering Airbus options and has issued requests for proposals from both manufacturers.

The 777X boasts impressive features, including an all-new composite wing, updated flight deck, and massive GE9X engines. However, its size may be a concern for American's network team, which prefers smaller planes and additional frequencies. A 777-9 order would likely require a significant adjustment to the airline's fleet strategy.

American retired 75 long-haul capable planes during the pandemic, including 24 Airbus A330s, 17 Boeing 767s, and 34 Boeing 757s. The airline has 19 Boeing 787-9s on firm order and options for 28 more but still maintains a large number of aging 777-200ERs. A 777-9 order would likely be part of the answer to replacing these planes, but it's unclear whether American will choose the 777X or opt for smaller aircraft like the Airbus A330-900 or A350-900.