Boeing and Airbus part of biggest airline order in history

Posted 21/07/2011

American Airlines is buying at least 460 new planes over the next five years in what it calls the biggest airline order in history.
 

American Airlines plans to split the order of about 400 jets between Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS.

The move widens the European US presence, says Bloomberg News

Boeing’s proposal includes upgrading its 737 with new engines. That will make it competitive with Airbus’s revamped A320neo, said Bloomberg, quoting people knowledable about the deal.

The record order may eventually reach 900 planes.

“American Airlines plans to order more than 250 Airbus A320 and A320NEO planes and about 150 re-engined Boeing 737s,” the Financial Times reported.

The 400 planes may have a list value of about US$37 billion.

Boeing’s proposal to re-engine the 737 shows the company is following the lead of Airbus, which announced that step last year for its A320 jet family.

New planes would help American refresh a fleet that in 2010 averaged 15 years of age. It had an in a tie with Delta Air Lines Inc. for the oldest among the six biggest US carriers.

The 737 and A320 compete in the single-aisle segment that makes up the biggest part of the global airline fleet.

By David Wilkening

Originally published 21 Jul 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/16cf0a06/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11485950Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm