American Airlines Acquires 10 A321neo Aircraft from Alaska Airlines
American Airlines has secured a purchase of ten A321-200neos from Alaska Airlines, as disclosed in Alaska Airlines’ recent quarterly financial report.
The ten aircraft, boasting an average age of just 5.6 years, were retired by Alaska Airlines at the close of September 2023. This move aligns with Alaska’s ongoing plan to unify its fleet, placing emphasis on Boeing narrowbody jets. These planes had originally been leased by Virgin America from GECAS in 2015. However, only four were handed over to Virgin America before it was acquired by Alaska Airlines. The remaining six began operations under the Alaska Airlines banner.
Of the ten aircraft, Alaska Airlines had ownership of one, while the others were on lease – four from Jackson Square Aviation, two from AerCap, two from SMBC Aviation Capital, and one from Merx Aviation Finance. This strategic shift resulted in Alaska Airlines registering a $14 million profit, which was articulated as “interest expense associated with certain A321neo lease agreements,” aligned with the company’s fleet modifications.
Meanwhile, American Airlines’ existing fleet comprises seventy A321-200NXs, with four more pending delivery from Airbus. This is in addition to an order for fifty A321-200XLRs.
All of the A321neos currently in American Airlines’ fleet were sourced directly from the aircraft producer, except where noted:
- A321-200 operating 218, largest operator of its type. Some in transcontinental configuration, to be retrofitted into standard configuration and replaced with Airbus A321XLR.
- A321neo operating 70, on order 10, additional 10 aircraft bought from Alaska Airlines.
- A321XLR on order 50, deliveries begin in 2024.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com