Piedmont Airlines Will Add E175 Jets In 2028, Indicating Strategy For Growth
American Airlines’ regional affiliate, Piedmont Airlines, plans to add Embraer E175 jets into its operations beginning in early 2028, an important development in its operational capabilities. The Maryland-based carrier has confirmed plans to receive 45 E175 jets over a 36-month period, signaling a major move towards modernisation and capacity expansion.
The new aircraft, configured in a 76-seat dual-class layout (12 in business and 64 in the main cabin), will gradually join Piedmont’s operations while the airline continues to fly its current fleet of 110 Embraer E145s. The first E175 is expected to be delivered in Q1 2028, with revenue service set to begin shortly thereafter. Deliveries will continue at a pace of one to two aircraft per month for three years.
This announcement is part of a larger fleet strategy by American Airlines, which in March 2024, ordered 90 E175s (along with 85 A321neos and 85 Boeing 737-10s), which will increase regional and mainline capabilities while accommodating increased demand on both domestic and short-haul international routes.
In addition to Piedmont, Envoy Air, yet another subsidiary of American, will grow its E175 fleet. The Texas carrier is expected to acquire 33 new E175s between 2026 and 2027, increasing its regional jet fleet to 214 aircraft. Envoy currently operates 43 E170s and 126 E175s and it plays a significant role in American’s regional network.
In comparison, PSA Airlines, American’s third wholly owned regional subsidiary, has not yet publicly disclosed any new fleet plans. PSA Airlines has a fleet of 144 Bombardier CRJ aircraft, which consist of 60 CRJ700s and 84 CRJ900s. PSA has been working toward having all of their fleet configured into a 76-seat, dual-class cabin environment, with the most recent transfers being 14 CRJ900NGs that were transferred from its parent, American Airlines, as described in the November 2024 announcement.
Piedmont, Envoy and PSA operate as part of the American Eagle brand and support American Airlines regional connectivity and operational resiliency in the U.S.
https://piedmont-airlines.com/
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