American Airlines Expands Boeing 737 MAX 8 Fleet to 88 by Year-End

American Airlines is on track to increase its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet to a total of 88 aircraft by the end of this year. This expansion follows the delivery of its latest aircraft, registration N316UV, which was added just days ago, bringing the total to 85 737 MAX 8s in service. The airline has plans for three additional deliveries scheduled in December 2025, according to data from Planespotters.net.

Current Fleet and Future Plans

The Dallas/Fort Worth-based airline has steadily built its fleet since receiving its first 737 MAX 8 in September 2017. If the airline successfully receives the three additional aircraft this December, the total will reach 88, with a further 15 still on order as of December 4, 2025. Once all orders are fulfilled, American Airlines is expected to operate 100 units of the 737 MAX 8 type. Currently, the average age of this fleet is 4.1 years.

American Airlines has configured its 737 MAX 8s to hold 172 passengers, distributed across a two-class cabin layout with 16 seats in First Class and 156 seats in the Main Cabin. These aircraft serve various domestic and international routes, enhancing the airline’s capacity and operational efficiency. In addition to the 737 MAX 8s, American Airlines operates a fleet of 303 Boeing 737-800s, which average 16.1 years of age. The airline’s investment in newer models reflects a strategic effort to modernize and refresh its narrowbody fleet.

Future Aircraft and Certification Challenges

Looking ahead, American Airlines is preparing to introduce the larger Boeing 737 MAX 10. In 2024, the airline placed an order for 115 of these aircraft, with options for an additional 75. The 737 MAX 10 offers a capacity for up to 230 passengers and a range of 3,100 nautical miles (approximately 5,740 km). This addition is expected to complement the existing fleet of 737 MAX 8s, allowing the airline to meet increasing travel demand efficiently.

Boeing is currently addressing several challenges that have delayed the certification of the MAX 10 and the smaller MAX 7. According to a report by Reuters, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to approve both aircraft in 2026. The company is working on necessary design changes related to engine anti-ice systems, which are critical for operational safety.

Other airlines are also navigating the certification landscape for the 737 MAX 10. Southwest Airlines has postponed its MAX 7 launch, while WestJet has adjusted its orders in response to ongoing delays. Notably, United Airlines has recalibrated its delivery schedule, indicating the broader impact of these delays on the airline industry.

Delta Air Lines anticipates introducing the 737 MAX 10 in 2026 to support mid-range routes requiring higher passenger capacity than the MAX 8 or MAX 9 can provide. As of now, United Airlines has 167 MAX 10s on order, while Delta is awaiting 100.

American Airlines’ commitment to expanding its 737 MAX fleet not only reflects its strategic goals but also highlights the evolving dynamics within the airline industry as carriers adapt to changing passenger needs and regulatory landscapes.