American Airlines, Airbus sign extensive A320ceo fleet retrofit agreement

Chicago, 10 April 2024 - American Airlines has signed a sizeable agreement with Airbus for multiple avionics systems and airframe upgrades on 150 A320ceo family of aircraft in its in-service fleet. Avionic systems retrofits will add valuable modern features such as improved weather events prediction thanks to the latest generation of weather radar supporting pilot decision making and anticipation in the event of bad weather, a new Satellite Based Augmentation System Multi Mode Receiver (SBAS MMR) enabling the latest GPS-based satellite navigation systems for precision approach at airports, and the latest Air Traffic Services Units (ATSU) standard which provides improved air-ground communications through the appropriate communication media (VHF data radio). Airframe upgrades include component and airframe life extension under Airbus’ Extended Service Goal packages.

The retrofits will contribute to supporting more reliable, efficient and competitive operations for the A320ceo fleet family at American Airlines which will benefit from the most contemporary systems available on the market in harmonization with the latest generation of Airbus A320neo aircraft.

“Beyond American’s  recent acquisition of new Airbus aircraft, these retrofits support the airline’s modernization and simplification of its fleet through avionics and systems upgrades, which in turn provides ever greater operational excellence,” said Antoine Morel, Vice-President and Head of Airframe Services for Airbus. “Airbus’ integrated approach to complex and long-term solutions helps deliver on our customers' strategic objectives. We greatly appreciate American’s trust in Airbus and look forward to continuing our strong collaboration."

The weather radar, MMR and VHF equipment is designed and manufactured by Collins Aerospace and integrated by Airbus, which will provide the necessary service bulletins and installation kits.

On the top photo, from left to right: Kevin Brickner, Sr. Vice President-Technical Operations, American Airlines and Cristina Aguilar, Head of Customer Services for Airbus.

On the bottom photo, from left to right: Kevin Brickner, Sr. Vice President-Technical Operations, American Airlines, Craig Bries, Vice President-Marketing, Sales & After Market Services, Collins Aerospace and Cristina Aguilar, Head of Customer Services for Airbus