Things in the Sky

American-parent AMR Corporation filed its annual report yesterday. With most annual reports, I like going straight to the section on the fleet, and this was no exception. I knew that American would be receiving a bunch of 737-800s in 2010, but I forgot how many. During the past year, the number of operating 737-800s increased by 44 – from 108 to 152 aircraft, or nearly a 41% increase. In the past two years, the fleet has very nearly doubled – 77 of the type were operating at the end of 2008.

Interestingly enough, this fleet growth was significant enough to bring the average age of the 737-800 down! The average American 737-800 at the end of 2008 was nine years, but thanks to all of those deliveries, the average age decreased to six years in 2010. (It was seven in 2009.)

Despite all of the 737-800 deliveries, however, American’s mainline fleet grew slightly, from 610 to 620 aircraft. The growth in the 737-800 fleet was offset by MD-80 retirements. American notes in its annual report that its fleet of operating MD-80s decreased from 258 to 224 aircraft.

American’s 737-800 deliveries continue – the airline says that it has purchase committments for 15 737-800s this year and 28 in the next. Meanwhile, American also says that as of the end of 2010 it also has “firm commitments for eleven Boeing 737-800 aircraft and seven Boeing 777-200 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2013-2016.” Meanwhile, the airline ordered two 777-300ERs last month that are slated for delivery next year.

Anyway, it’s been interesting to watch this fleet growth from American, especially after it was bolstered by an order this summer. But it makes sense – American says the 737-800, on a seat-mile basis, is 35% more fuel-efficient than the MD-80.

American said this summer that the new 737-800s coming this year will feature the Sky Interior, so it will be fun to see that as well.