American Airlines (AA, Dallas/Fort Worth) is pursuing a long-term strategy to narrow its profitability gap with rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, while preparing a new widebody aircraft order and dismissing the possibility of a merger with United. To address the gap, American plans to improve operational reliability, invest in premium cabins and airport lounges, grow its loyalty programme, and increase higher-end revenue by attracting more premium travellers. Widebody orderIsom confirmed that American expects to place a widebody aircraft order this year, with both Airbus and Boeing competing for the contract. ch-aviation fleets data shows American Airlines' B777-200ERs average over 25.7 years of age, the oldest average type among its fleet of 1,032 aircraft. Merger with United outThe chief executive also dismissed suggestions of a merger with United Airlines after United CEO Scott Kirby publicly floated the idea earlier this year.