American Airlines switches aircraft on Charlotte-Orange County route

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American Airlines switches aircraft on Charlotte-Orange County route

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American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 13, 2025

American Airlines has made a temporary change to its flight operations between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and John Wayne Airport (SNA). The airline replaced the Airbus A321neo with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 on this route, starting June 5. This marks the first time the 737 MAX 8 has been used for flights between these two destinations.

The decision to switch aircraft is not new for American Airlines on this route, which was launched in June 2023. Last fall, the airline changed the eastbound operation from redeye to daytime flights. According to Cirium, an aviation data firm, the 737 MAX 8 will operate exclusively on this route until October 5.

The reasons behind removing the A321neo are unclear as representatives from American Airlines were unavailable for comment. However, it is suggested that the move could be strategic due to high demand elsewhere during the busy summer travel season.

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The change results in decreased capacity. The A321neo accommodates up to 196 passengers, while the 737 MAX 8 holds a maximum of 172 passengers. In July alone, American Airlines will offer over 10,500 seats across its flights using the MAX 8, representing a reduction of approximately 1,488 seats compared to what would have been available with the A321neo.

Since its launch in June last year, American Airlines has operated nearly daily flights on this route using the A321neo until now. The airline also made changes in August by shifting flight times from redeye to daytime frequencies.

In contrast, another route from Miami International Airport (MIA) to SNA was short-lived and canceled indefinitely last August after being introduced earlier that year. Despite these changes, American remains as SNA's sole operator of the A321neo and uses it for flights to other hubs like Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth.