American places huge Boeing order
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American Airlines (AA) has signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for an initial 42 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, to be delivered between 2012 and 2018. The deal also allows AA the option to purchase a further 58 787s with delivery from 2015 to 2020. The purchase agreement comes despite the fact that the airline’s parent company, AMR, expects to record a US$360 million loss for the third quarter of the year.
AMR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gerard Arpey, said the agreement would support AA efforts to replace its wide-body fleet.
“Even as we battle the challenges of volatile and historically high fuel prices and serious economic uncertainty, we must continue to prudently invest in our company for the long-term benefit of our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve,” Arpey said. “The 787 will help reduce our fuel and maintenance costs, lessen our environmental impact, and support our goal of providing industry-leading products and services over the long haul.”
The 787-9 Dreamliner will have a capacity of up to 290 passengers and a range of 8,500 nautical miles. According to Boeing, the plane will use 20% less fuel than older aircraft, and provide airlines with up to 45% more cargo revenue capacity. AA has already announced that it will take delivery of 76 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2009 and 2010 as it replaces its narrow-body fleet.
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