American Airlines has exercised an option to purchase a pair of new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the two companies announced Wednesday.
American becomes the first U.S. carrier to order the -300ER version of Boeing’s popular 777 series aircraft. The currently operates a fleet of 47 777-200ERs.
“These new airplanes will complement their large fleet of 777-200ERs offering additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes, while providing increased efficiency and reliability,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh.
“These additional wide-body aircraft will bolster our network strategy, particularly the international growth opportunities we expect from our joint businesses with oneworld partners in the transatlantic and transpacific markets,” said Tom Horton, President, AMR Corp. “We value the combination of size, range and performance of the 777-300ER, as well as the extensive customer amenities it offers. The seating capability of the aircraft will give us growth flexibility in slot-constrained airports and provide us with greater ability to serve new long-haul markets.”
American says the planes are expected to be delivered in late 2012.
