American Airlines Announced the Largest Aircraft Order in History

 

American Airlines recently announced the largest aircraft purchase order in history. Agreements with both Boeing and Airbus for 460 additional aircraft, beginning in 2013, will allow it to replace its current narrow body fleet.  The order consists of 460 narrow body, single-aisle Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. These new, state-of-the-art commercial aircraft will allow American to reduce its operating and fuel costs significantly. American expects that this order will give them the advantage of having the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among the U.S. airlines.  

 

Under the agreement with Boeing, American will buy 200 B737 aircraft, and option another 100 B737′s. These may be 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER: it is not yet decided.  This order will also include the B737NG, which has a new engine with greater fuel-efficiency than the current models.

 

American has also ordered 260 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family of models, with options and purchase rights for 360 additional aircraft.

 

Why all the emphasis on fuel efficiency in new aircraft? The new B737 and A320 aircraft offer a 35 percent reduction in fuel cost per seat versus the MD80, a 12 percent fuel cost reduction as compared to the B757 and a 15 percent fuel reduction as compared to the B767.  Given the cost of fuel, this is exremely important.

 

In addition to these orders, American expects to buy 42 new, state-of-the-art Boeing B787 aircraft, known as the “Dreamliner.” These aircraft will be delivered in 2014.  The airline also has options for an additional 58 B787′s, as well as firm orders for seven B777 widebody jets.

 

If you dream of flying one of these aircraft, it is time to start your flight training now, in order to be fully trained and ready for an exciting career as a airline pilot.  To learn more about how you can have this dream career, contact www.pea.com.