American Airlines Takes Major Fleet Renewal Step By Announcing Plans to Acquire Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

FORT WORTH, Texas --- American Airlines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMR Corporation, announced today that it 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 purchase of the initial 42 787-9 aircraft is subject to certain contingency provisions, as more fully described below.>> AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey said the agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is the latest example of the Companys efforts to build a successful, competitive airline for the long-term while continuing to work to overcome the many immediate challenges facing the entire airline industry.>> Arpey said the agreement would support Americans 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.>> Even as we battle the challenges of volatile and historically high fuel prices and serious economic uncertainty, we must continue to prudently invest in our Company for the long-term benefit of our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve, Arpey said. The 787 will help reduce our fuel and maintenance costs, lessen our environmental impact, and support our goal of providing industry-leading products and services over the long haul. Fortunately, our agreement with Boeing, our long-time partner, allows for significant flexibility to manage our fleet replacement and growth plans in the way that best meets all of our stakeholders interests.