American Airlines has entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing under which American intends to acquire an initial 42 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners scheduled for delivery beginning in 2012 and ending in 2018, with the right to purchase up to 58 additional 787s that may be scheduled for delivery beginning in 2015 and ending in 2020.
The agreement will support American’s wide-body replacement efforts as well as the international growth that is expected after American, British Airways, and Iberia achieve antitrust immunity and implement a joint business agreement for flights between North America and Europe. The airlines have an application for antitrust immunity pending with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The purchase of the initial 42 787-9 aircraft is subject to certain contingency provisions. The provisions would allow American to choose not to acquire some or all of the 42 initial 787s if it has not reached a satisfactory agreement with its pilots union to operate the aircraft. American must notify Boeing of its intent to purchase a 787 at least 18 months prior to its scheduled delivery date, with the first scheduled delivery date occurring in September 2012.
