American Airlines is facing two important questions about its future: who will lead the airline next, and what aircraft will shape its long-haul fleet? As of September 2026, Robert Isom remains American Airlines’ CEO, and there has been no official announcement that he is being replaced. At the same time, the airline has confirmed that it is actively evaluating its next widebody aircraft order.
That makes the combination of a possible leadership change and a potential widebody order an important topic for the airline industry.
Is American Airlines Getting a New CEO?
There is currently no confirmed CEO change at American Airlines.
Robert Isom remains the company’s CEO, and American’s own recent announcements continue to identify him in that role. In its 2026 financial reporting, the company quoted Isom as CEO, while its centennial announcement also identified him as the airline’s chief executive.
However, recent industry reporting has discussed the question of future leadership at the airline. Business Traveller reported that industry speculation has focused on what could happen after Isom, while also noting that American’s board has not publicly announced a succession plan or indicated that a leadership change is imminent.
Therefore, it is important to separate reported speculation from confirmed company decisions.
Is American Airlines Planning a New Widebody Order?
This part is much clearer.
American Airlines has confirmed that it is evaluating its next widebody aircraft order. CEO Robert Isom said the airline has an RFP (request for proposals) in the market and is actively engaging with both Boeing and Airbus.
The reason is largely connected to long-term fleet planning.
American already has widebody aircraft on order, but the airline is also looking ahead to the future retirement of older Boeing 777 aircraft. Because widebody aircraft can take years to order and deliver, American needs to make fleet decisions well before replacement aircraft are actually required.
Why Does American Airlines Need More Widebody Aircraft?
Widebody aircraft are especially important for long-distance international routes.
American operates aircraft such as the:
- Boeing 777-200ER
- Boeing 777-300ER
- Boeing 787-8
- Boeing 787-9
The airline has also been building its future fleet around newer aircraft.
American said it currently has 19 widebody aircraft on order, with options for another 28, while it evaluates what comes next.
The airline’s planning is also linked to the expected retirement of Boeing 777 aircraft during the 2030s. That creates a long-term replacement requirement and gives American a reason to evaluate additional aircraft now.
Boeing or Airbus: Which Aircraft Could American Choose?
American has not announced a winner.
The company is evaluating proposals from both Boeing and Airbus, according to statements from Isom.
A future order could therefore involve aircraft from Boeing, Airbus, or potentially a combination depending on the airline’s fleet strategy.
Boeing’s 787 family is already an important part of American’s long-haul fleet. Airbus, meanwhile, has a large commercial aircraft portfolio that could give American another option for future international operations.
The final decision could depend on factors such as:
- Aircraft range
- Fuel efficiency
- Purchase price
- Delivery schedules
- Maintenance costs
- Passenger capacity
- Premium-cabin requirements
- Route network
- Fleet commonality
Why Is the CEO Question Connected to the Aircraft Order?
Leadership and fleet planning are separate decisions, but they can influence the airline’s long-term strategy.
A new CEO could potentially bring different priorities regarding international expansion, aircraft purchases, premium cabins and network growth. However, there is currently no evidence that a CEO transition has been formally connected to American’s widebody procurement process.
For now, the confirmed fact is that American is evaluating its next widebody order under Robert Isom’s leadership.
American Airlines Is Also Modernizing Its Network
The widebody discussion comes while American is making other long-term investments.
For example, the airline recently announced a major expansion and redevelopment project at Miami International Airport, including a new Gate D60 project designed for modern aircraft and international operations.
American has also announced plans to install Starlink on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft beginning in 2027 as part of its onboard technology improvements.
These projects show that the airline’s strategy extends beyond simply buying aircraft. Airport infrastructure, customer experience, connectivity and international capacity are all part of its broader modernization plans.
What Could Happen Next?
The next major development could be a decision on the widebody aircraft proposal.
American has not publicly confirmed:
- The final aircraft type
- The number of aircraft
- The manufacturer
- The order value
- The delivery schedule
The airline’s RFP process means discussions with Boeing and Airbus are already underway, but an RFP does not automatically mean that an order has been finalized.
At the same time, there is no confirmed announcement of a new American Airlines CEO.
Final Takeaway
Is American Airlines getting a new CEO? Not according to any confirmed announcement as of September 2026. Robert Isom remains CEO, although industry reporting has discussed possible future succession.
Is American Airlines considering a new widebody order? Yes. The airline has confirmed that it is evaluating proposals from Boeing and Airbus as it plans the future of its long-haul fleet.
The widebody decision could become an important part of American Airlines’ international strategy during the next several years, particularly as the airline plans for future 777 retirements and continues modernizing its fleet.
