odernise and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among US network carriers,” American chief executive Robert Isom states, adding: "These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers." Prior to the aircraft orders disclosed on 4 March, American had 155 aircraft on order, fleets data shows: 71 Max 8s, 30 787-9s and 54 A321neos. The US major's in-service fleet of 947 aircraft is nearly evenly split between US-based Boeing (487) and European airframer Airbus (460). American has five Embraer ERJ-145s in storage. "We are very pleased to continue our longstanding partnerships with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer with these orders," American finance chief Devon May states. "As we look into the next decade, American will have a steady stream of new aircraft alongside a balanced level of capital investment, which will allow us to expand our network and deliver for our shareholders." The Fort Worth-based carrier had confirmed in August 2023 that it was in talks with Boeing and Airbus, and that those talks were centred on new orders for narrowbodies. "We are talking to Boeing and Airbus about our narrowbody aircraft needs for the latter half of this decade and beyond," American said at the time.

Ryanair has warned of changes to its summer schedule and a reduced traffic outlook as a result of additional delays to deliveries of Boeing aircraft. The Irish low-cost carrier says Boeing now plans to deliver 40 737 Max 8-200s before the end of June. Ryanair previously counted on receiving at least 50 new aircraft which could be used for the peak travel season in July, August and September. Under a previous plan, 57 Max 8-200s were scheduled for delivery by end of April. In addition to earlier schedule cuts, Ryanair says it will make "minor" changes to its network plan because of the latest delivery delays, through frequency reductions on existing routes rather than by cutting new services. The airline warns, however, that it now expects full-financial-year traffic through March 2025 to fall below 200 million passengers, having previously set a 205 million target. "We are very disappointed at these latest Boeing delivery delays," states Ryanair Group chief Michael O'Leary. "But we continue to work with Boeing to maximise the number of new 737 aircraft we receive by the end of June, which we can confidently release for sale to customers during the [summer 2024] peak." O'Leary says Ryanair will work with the airframer to take "delayed aircraft deliveries" during August and September, "to help Boeing reduce their delivery backlog". Late arrival of aircraft during the peak season may mean that the additional capacity can only be sold at lower fares, he notes. "Boeing continues to have Ryanair's wholehearted support as they work through these temporary challenges, and we are confident that their senior management team, led by [chief executive] Dave Calhoun and [finance chief] Brian West, will resolve these production delays and quality-control issues in both Wichita and Seattle," O'Leary says. The US Federal Aviation Administration has put on hold Boeing's plan to increase 737 production, because of quality issues that have come to light after the in-flight door-plug separation on a new Alaska Airlines Max 9 in January. In February, the FAA requested that Boeing develop, within 90 days, a "comprehensive action plan to address its systemic quality-control issues" and meet mandated safety standards. Boeing says: "We are communicating with customers that some delivery schedules may change as we take the necessary time to make sure that every airplane we deliver is high quality and meets all customer and regulatory requirements. "We deeply regret the impact this is having on our valued customer Ryanair. We're working to address their concerns and taking action on a comprehensive plan to strengthen 737 quality and delivery performance." O'Leary warns of constrained capacity and higher fares across European airlines during summer because of the combined effects of 737 delivery delays and Airbus A320neo-family jet groundings amid Pratt & Whitney's ongoing GTF inspection programme.

Qatar Airways has resumed direct flights between Doha and Osaka in Japan. Flights on the route will be operated daily with Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the carrier says. With the addition of the service, the carrier currently serves two cities in Japan – Osaka and Tokyo.