American Airlines Inc, a subsidiary of AMR Corp., announced that they will be buying up to 100 Boeing 787s. According to Boeing, American Airlines has a firm order for 42 787-900s, and has 58 options. The first 42 airplanes on firm order are expected to be delivered between 2012 and 2018, the other 58 787s are expected around 2015 to 2020. The Allied Pilots Association, the union representing American Airlines pilots, may have trouble negotiating pay rates with the Airline. Boeing made an out / provision for the airline, in case agreements cannot be made between the two groups. An APA spokesman said that they were happy to see American investing in new aircraft, however they also hope that the company with invest in its employees as well. Hopefully the two groups will work something out.
American Airlines, a near all-Boeing airline, has been working hard at replacing older aircraft. The MD-80 series is one of the biggest fuel hogs in the industry, and American has been replacing them with 737NG aircraft. It’s no surprise to see them replacing long-haul as well. Notably, the A300, has begun its phase out process; 28 remain on their mainline fleet. I think we might see American replace its aging 767-200 and 767-300 fleet with the 787s.
Although carriers are reducing capacity, they have been purchasing new aircraft in an attempt to modernize their fleets and decrease fuel expenses. I see this as a smart move by American.
Image: flickr.com
