Since receiving its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in 2017, 
American Airlines has steadily expanded its narrowbody fleet. According to the latest projections, American Airlines’ 737 MAX 8 fleet is reportedly expected to reach 88 aircraft by the end of the year, with three more deliveries scheduled for 2025.
Just a few days ago, the airline welcomed its newest 737 MAX 8 (registration N316UV), bringing the total number of this aircraft in its fleet to 85, according to Planespotters.net data. This figure represents all 737 MAX 8s delivered to the airline since its first arrival in September 2017.
88 This Year, More Ahead In 2026
If American Airlines receives three additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s this December, as projected by aviation spotter Thomas Beam, the carrier’s total fleet of the type will reach 88 aircraft. According to ch-aviation data, the Dallas/Fort Worth-based airline has 15 Boeing 737 MAX 8s still on order as of December 4, 2025.
Once all remaining aircraft are delivered, the airline’s total number of the type will reach 100. At present, the average age of the carrier’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet stands at 4.1 years. American Airlines configured its 737 MAX 8s to accommodate a total of 172 passengers in a two-class cabin layout: 16 in First Class (business) and 156 in the Main Cabin (economy). The Dallas/Fort Worth-based airline deploys its fleet of 737 MAX 8s on various routes, including domestic and international.
In addition to its young 737 MAX 8 fleet, American Airlines operates a sizable group of Boeing 737-800s, totaling 303 aircraft. With the 737-800s now averaging 16.1 years of age, the airline has been investing in newer aircraft to refresh its narrowbody fleet. Beyond the 737 MAX 8, American Airlines is also awaiting the yet-to-be-certified 737 MAX 10.
Looking Ahead To The Larger 737 MAX 10
In 2024, American Airlines placed an order for 115 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, with options for an additional 75 aircraft in the future. Back then, the carrier said that the 737 MAX 10 would complement its existing fleet of 737 MAX 8s, allowing it to take advantage of the MAX family’s commonality and flexibility to efficiently meet growing travel demand. The 737 MAX 10 can accommodate up to 230 passengers and offers a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
Boeing anticipates that both the 737 MAX 7 and Boeing 737 MAX 10 will receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in 2026, according to a report by Reuters. Boeing has faced challenges with design changes, which have resulted in persistent delays while it attends to ongoing regulatory reviews, anti-ice solutions, and bird strike requirements.
However, the American aircraft manufacturer reported progress in addressing a problem with the jets’ engine anti-ice system, which, if left unresolved, could overheat and potentially result in engine failure.
The Complete Guide To The Boeing 737 MAX Family
Boeing has already built more than 1,700 aircraft from its next-generation narrowbody series.
Other Airlines Awaiting Boeing 737 MAX 10 Deliveries
In 2025, Boeing executives reconfirmed their commitment to final approvals for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10. Additional scrutiny after the MAX family was grounded in 2019 has presented challenges, with a focus on system reviews that go beyond original designs. While they await the MAX 10’s service entry date, a number of carriers have modified their orders. While Southwest Airlines delayed the launch of the MAX 7, the Canadian airline WestJet converted some of its backlog to other MAX models.
Given the continued delays surrounding the MAX 10 program, 
United Airlines, which operates a sizable fleet of Boeing narrowbodies, has also recalculated its delivery schedule. According to Delta Air Lines, the 737 MAX 10 will be introduced in 2026 to serve mid-range flights that need more seats per plane than the MAX 8 or MAX 9 can offer.
According to ch-aviation, United Airlines has 167 Boeing 737 MAX 10s on order, while Delta Air Lines awaits 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10s. Simple Flying has previously covered all the airlines awaiting 737 MAX 10 certification and deliveries.
