American Airlines will take delivery of another six Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2010, bringing the total of 737-800s to be delivered to American in 2009-2010 to 76 aircraft. American signed an amendment to its purchase agreement with Boeing under which, among other things, American exercised its rights to purchase 20 737-800 aircraft for delivery in 2009 and 2010 as part of its previously communicated fleet plan. In addition, American will accelerate the replacement of its MD-80 aircraft by taking delivery of six additional 737-800s in 2010. American now has committed to take delivery of 36 737 aircraft in 2009 and 40 in 2010. The total of 76 737-800 deliveries in 2009-2010 compares to 70 aircraft as announced previously. Beyond this, American still has firm commitments that were made previously for 11 737s in 2013. American continues to evaluate opportunities to accelerate MD-80 replacement with additional 737s.
American also said that it has arranged backstop financing for approximately two-thirds of its Boeing 737-800 deliveries in 2009 and 2010. All of American’s 2009 deliveries may be financed under this agreement should American elect to do so. Additional details of the financing arrangement are confidential and are not being disclosed at this time.
