On March 30th, American Airlines operated what may have been the last revenue flight performed on its Boeing 767 aircraft. The airline was planning to stop flights with the widebody this year. However, with operations facing a period of downturn, this retirement looks to have come early.
Time for a change
The Texan outfit was initially targeting a 2021 send-off for its remaining 17 767-300ERs. However, it recently announced that it will say goodbye to the plane type by May.
The operator is expecting to receive 22 787-8 planes to replace the outgoing units. These will directly replace the majority of the routes that the 209-seaters currently serve. Meanwhile, some existing 767 routes will be stopped to allow AA to fly to other destinations.
World Airline News reports that yesterday a 767 registration N347AN operated flight AA 9441 from Lima to Miami. The aircraft left Jorge Chavez International at 14:25 before arriving in Florida at 20:39. It was due to also operate a service from Miami to San Juan today but this was canceled.
Lasting service
With several services currently suspended and international flights bans likely to continue through May, yesterday's operation looks to be the final revenue flight for an AA 767.
According to Planespotters.net, the first 767s that entered American's fleet arrived in November 1982. Altogether, the airline has operated 107 of the aircraft. Previously, the smaller 767-200 was in use before the 767-300 was first adopted in 1988.
Several other airlines have been considering retiring some of their aircraft types early during this quiet period. Depending on preferences and existing plans, various jets are set to be permanently grounded for carriers over the next few months.
Business sense
Simple Flying reached out to American Airlines for comment on the plans for its Boeing 767 aircraft. A spokesperson confirmed the reasons why the airline will bring forward the retirement of the model. It also won't be the only Boeing range to leave sooner than expected.
"American announced earlier this month we’ll accelerate the retirement of our remaining Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft," the spokesperson said.
"Doing so removes older, less fuel-efficient aircraft from our fleet sooner than originally planned and avoids unnecessary maintenance and fuel costs. We continue to make refinements to our flying schedule and fleet requirements based on demand."
Ultimately, this spring marks an end of an era following with farewell of this aircraft. For nearly four decades, the widebody has been helping the carrier's passengers across the globe. However, 2020 marks a new chapter at American as it winds down operations with its loyal jet.
What are your thoughts on AA potentially operating its last Boeing 767 revenue service? Do you have any fond memories on American services conducted with this aircraft over the years? Let us know what you think of the move in the comment section.