Boeing delivery delays impact American Airlines' long-haul routes

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 22, 2024

American Airlines is facing challenges due to delays in the delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline has had to reduce the frequency of some long-haul flights and adjust its international route network for spring 2025. This comes shortly after British Airways announced similar changes due to engine delivery issues with their Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

According to a report by The Points Guy, American Airlines will temporarily suspend service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) in May 2025. Additionally, the resumption of the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Paris (CDG) route will be delayed. The airline also plans to decrease daily flights between Miami (MIA) and Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) from three to two frequencies in April 2025.

American Airlines has been operating Boeing 787s since January 23, 2015, when it first flew the Dreamliner between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The current fleet includes 37 Boeing 787-8s and 22 Boeing 787-9s, with an average age of 6.6 years according to ch-aviation data. The airline is awaiting delivery of an additional 30 Boeing 787-9s.

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The cabin configuration for American's Boeing 787-8 accommodates up to 234 passengers across four classes: business class, premium economy, economy plus, and economy class. The larger Boeing 787-9 can seat up to 285 people in a similar layout.

British Airways recently announced cuts to summer flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH), citing delays in Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines and parts deliveries as reasons for this disruption. A spokesperson stated: "We're disappointed that we've had to make further changes to our schedule as we continue to experience delays."

Rolls-Royce attributed these delays to supply chain constraints exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine affecting titanium supplies. A spokesperson said: "This is due to the current challenging industry-wide supply chain constraints."