American Airlines
has recently taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8
, registered as N315UA—a tail number once used by 
United Airlines
. The aircraft, which arrived in the airline’s fleet on December 24, 2024, marks an interesting chapter in American’s fleet expansion, particularly given the significance of its tail number’s previous ownership.
FlightAware data shows that on December 24, the aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field in Seattle (BFI) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
(DFW), where it officially entered service with American Airlines. The flight, AA9825, took off from Boeing Field at 12:35 local time and landed in Dallas at 18:05 local time.
What are the possible reasons?
While the aircraft is undeniably new, its registration number—N315UA—has raised eyebrows, as it was once worn by a United Airlines Boeing 737-300
, according to the data on planespotters.net. This earlier iteration of the aircraft first flew for United in December 1987, where it operated for over two decades before being retired and ultimately scrapped in late 2009. For aviation enthusiasts and industry observers, the decision by American Airlines to register its new aircraft with the old United tail number is notable for a few reasons.
JonNYC, a well-known aviation watchdog, speculated that American might have opted for this specific registration because of the limitations in its existing number pool following the merger. He explained on social media that the airline likely wanted to maintain a certain nose number on the registration, but the options were limited, leading to the reuse of a number from United’s former aircraft.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
The N number seen on the aircraft is assigned to aircraft registered in the United States. The United States was given the designation “N” as its nationality under the 1919 International Air Navigation Convention. In general aviation aircraft, the nationality is indicated by a single letter, followed by four or five identity letters and a hyphen.
American’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8:
The aircraft, now part of American’s growing 737 MAX fleet, is the airline’s 66th MAX delivery, further solidifying its commitment to modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft. Passengers may enjoy a contemporary and cozy experience in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin operated by American Airlines. According to the company’s website, it features 172 seats in total and is separated into three sections: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First Class.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
The 16 seats in First Class have a roomy 37-inch pitch and 21-inch seat width, providing plenty of legroom and entertainment for personal devices. The main Cabin Extra, which has 24 seats with a 33-inch pitch and slightly larger seats (16.6–17.8 inches), is in the bulkhead and exit rows. With a 30-inch pitch and seat widths varying from 16.6 to 17.8 inches, the Main Cabin can accommodate 132 passengers.
Wi-Fi and entertainment for personal devices are available in every area, ensuring a connected and pleasurable flying experience. Furthermore, there are power outlets all around the cabin, enabling travelers to charge their electronics while traveling.
Related
Analysis: American Airlines’ Top 5 Boeing 737 MAX 8 Routes From Phoenix Sky Harbor
The Oneworld Alliance member, commands second overall total capacity at the Arizona airport.
Fleet expansion and future deliveries
As of the end of 2024, American Airlines has a total of 66 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in its fleet. Of these, 64 are currently in service, while 2 are parked, planespotters.net information shows. The airline expects to take delivery of an additional 6 MAX 8s in the near future, continuing its fleet modernization efforts. With an average age of just 4.2 years, the 737 MAX 8s are relatively new additions to American’s fleet, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older models. These aircraft are a central part of the airline’s strategy to modernize its narrowbody fleet and improve overall operational efficiency.
Photo: Channing Reid | Simple Flying
In March 2024, American ordered 260 new narrowbody planes, including 85 of Boeing’s long-delayed 737 Max 10. The carrier also said that it would also convert orders for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, a model that is already in its fleet, into the larger variant Boeing 737 MAX 10
s.