DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines orders 35 Boeing jets to upgrade its fleet and phase out gas-guzzling planes.
American said Wednesday the Boeing 737-800 jets will be delivered in 2011 and 2012. American has a commitment to finance all 35 planes but did not disclose details.
The order adds to those for 84 other 737s American started receiving in April 2009. The Boeing jets replace MD-80 series aircraft that burn more fuel and have been the subject of safety investigations.
American estimates the new planes will save 800,000 gallons of fuel per plane each year. Fuel and labor are an airline’s top expenses.
CEO Gerard Arpey said it wasn’t easy to decide to order new planes during a weak economy. AMR has lost more than $4 billion since the start of 2008.
