The Boeing Jet Already Sitting In American Airlines' Fleet That Could Quietly Replace Its 47 Oldest Widebodies

A Boeing jet already in American Airlines’ fleet is emerging as a potential template as the carrier explores a new widebody replacement for its oldest Boeing 777s. In June 2026, American CEO Robert Isom confirmed the airline issued formal requests for proposals to Boeing and Airbus for a new widebody order. The reported target is to replace American’s Boeing 777-200ER fleet, previously assumed to receive full cabin refurbishments. American currently operates 137 widebodies—67 Boeing 777s and 70 Boeing 787s—with an additional 19 787-9s on order for expansion. The 47 777-200ERs were largely delivered between 1999 and 2003, with two arriving in 2006, meaning most will approach 30 years old by the 2030s. These aircraft also use Trent 800 engines with no commonality across the fleet and are the airline’s least efficient widebodies, intensifying the case for replacement.