American Airlines has made the world’s largest aircraft order, with a plan to buy 460 planes from Boeing and Airbus and options to acquire 465 more.
The deal is worth $US40 billion at list prices, with options taking the total to $US81bn.
It will buy 100 Boeing 737s and a further 100 of the next generation 737, which is expected to be developed later this decade.
The carrier will buy 130 Airbus A320s (new engine option) and a further 130 A320neos, which will be introduced from 2015.
Gerard Arpey, chief executive of American, said, “We expect to have the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among our peers in the US within five years.
“This new fleet will dramatically improve our fuel and operating costs, while enhancing our financial flexibility.”
The deal is an important milestone for Airbus because the European company has previously struggled to win big orders from America’s largest carriers.
American Airlines is a member of the oneworld alliance, whose members include Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways.
