American Airlines to buy 260 planes from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer amid growing demand
American Airlines is ordering 260 new planes to meet growing travel demand and increase the airline’s supply of premium seats
DALLAS — DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines announced a massive order for new planes on Monday, splitting 260 new aircraft between Boeing, Airbus and Embraer in a move designed to meet growing travel demand and increase the airline's supply of premium seats.
American said it placed options for up to 193 more planes over the next several years.
The airline and aircraft-makers did not disclose financial terms for the orders.
The package of orders includes 85 Boeing 737 Max 10s — a larger version of the Max that has not yet been certified by U.S. regulators. The plane is already years behind schedule, and United Airlines — which has 277 on order — removed the Max 10 from its plans, at least temporarily.
Boeing is under intense scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration to fix problems in its manufacturing system, particularly since a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Max 9 in midflight in January.
American gave the U.S. plane-maker a vote of confidence, however, even converting a previous order for 30 Max 8s to the larger Max 10s.
It also ordered 85 A321neo planes from Airbus, Boeing's European rival. The A321 and Max 10 are about the same size.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline also ordered 90 smaller E175 aircraft from Brazil's Embraer.
The planes are all single-aisle, so-called narrow-body aircraft that American will use for flights within the United States and to nearby international destinations. In a presentation for analysts Monday, American called its short-haul network “the foundation of value for customers and investors.”
American CEO Robert Isom said the airline has invested heavily
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