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American Airlines faces jet shortage after retiring Boeing 767-300ER

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American Airlines faces jet shortage after retiring Boeing 767-300ER
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American Airlines Boeing 767-300ER | Simple Flying

In April 2020, American Airlines announced the retirement of several aircraft types, including the Boeing 767-300ER. This decision was part of a strategy to phase out older, less fuel-efficient planes earlier than planned. The airline aimed to reduce operating complexity and save on training and maintenance costs by streamlining its fleet.

However, the move led to a shortage of widebody jets for American Airlines as passenger numbers rebounded faster than expected post-pandemic. "American said that the decision to retire many of the older long-haul aircraft in its fleet had been initially announced a month before, largely coinciding with the global lockdowns," according to an official statement from the airline.

The retirement included other aircraft such as Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 757-200s. While some saw this as a necessary step due to maintenance issues with these models, others lamented the loss of certain aircraft like the Airbus A330s.

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Following these retirements, American Airlines faced challenges in maintaining service levels amid rising demand. The company had to rely on joint ventures with partner airlines to meet customer needs. Additionally, delays in new Boeing aircraft deliveries compounded these difficulties.

The pandemic's impact on travel caused passenger traffic numbers to plummet initially but they recovered quickly once restrictions were lifted. According to data from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), airlines flew 4.4 billion passengers in 2023, with expectations for over 5 billion in 2024.

Despite advancements in aviation technology leading many airlines to favor newer narrow-bodied aircraft, some still see value in widebody models like the 767-300ER. Delta Air Lines continues operating this model and plans gradual retirement by 2030.

Overall, while American Airlines' decision was driven by operational considerations during uncertain times, it highlights ongoing challenges airlines face balancing fleet management with fluctuating market demands.

Organizations Included in this History
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