American Airlines Chooses Airbus A319, A321 Variants as Part of Its Fleet Transformation Plan

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines today announced another milestone in its fleet transformation plans by selecting the Airbus A319 and A321 variants to be a part of its A320 family fleet order, which was announced in July 2011. These new aircraft, which American expects to begin taking delivery of starting in 2013, build upon the airline's efforts to enhance its fleet in order to be more fuel efficient and provide customers with a state-of-the-art travel experience.

The A319 aircraft will be powered by the CFM56-5B engine from CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Snecma. The A321 aircraft will be equipped with V2500-A5 engines from International Aero Engines (IAE), a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, MTU and JAEC. These engines were selected to enhance the operational performance and fuel efficiency of American's new Airbus fleet. The Airbus A320 family aircraft offer a 35 percent reduction in fuel cost per seat versus the MD-80 and a 12 percent and 15 percent fuel cost reduction per seat, respectively, versus the 757 and 767-200.

These 130 current-generation A319 and A321 aircraft are fully financed through lease transactions. The financial terms and conditions of the CFM56-5B and V2500-A5 engine purchase have not been disclosed.

"We are aggressively moving forward with our plans to have the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet in the U.S. in the next five years," said Tom Horton, President of AMR and American Airlines. "The A319 and A321 aircraft will strengthen our fleet, helping us dramatically improve our fuel and operating costs, while at the same time, offering our customers the chance to fly in aircraft that are designed to greatly enhance their
travel experience."

"We appreciate the high level of confidence this order shows in the CFM56 product line," said CFM President and CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga. "American is one of our largest CFM56-7B customers and we are pleased to introduce the CFM56-5B into its fleet. We are honored to be given this opportunity to be a part of their long-term fleet strategy and to continue our very successful relationship with American."

"We are excited to be a part of American's fleet transformation," said IAE Executive Vice President Jim Guiliano. "American continues to establish new standards of efficiency and passenger service.  We look forward to supporting these engines that provide the lowest fuel burn cost and overall emissions, and lowest noise levels on the A321 aircraft."

 As announced in July 2011, American plans to take delivery of 130 current-generation aircraft from the Airbus A320 family starting in 2013. American exercised its rights to convert its delivery positions to the A319 and A321 variants.

Beginning in 2017, American expects to begin taking delivery of 130 aircraft from the A320neo (New Engine Option) family featuring next-generation technology. The new aircraft are about 15 percent more fuel efficient than today's models. American is scheduled to be the first network airline in the U.S. to deploy this new technology. Engine selection for the A320neo family aircraft will be made in the future.

The Airbus aircraft feature cabin interiors with increased overhead storage, reduced noise and ambient lighting options.

American is also strengthening its Boeing fleet, with plans to acquire 200 additional aircraft from the 737 family, with options for another 100 737 family aircraft. As part of the Boeing agreement, American plans to take delivery of 100 aircraft from Boeing's current 737NG family starting in 2013, including three 737-800 options that had been exercised as of July 1, 2011. American also expects to acquire 100 of Boeing's next-generation 737 MAX aircraft, which will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines. The new-engine variant is expected to have 10 to 12 percent lower fuel burn than current 737s.

American's most recent deliveries of the 737-800, with 160 seats, include the all-new Boeing Sky Interior, offering larger overhead bins that pivot down and out similar to those on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a contemporary feeling of spaciousness, and variable LED lighting options for cabin ambience.

American has plans to acquire 42 state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliners, which are currently scheduled to be delivered starting in late 2014. The Company also has firm orders for 15 777 widebody aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery in 2012 through 2016.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection^® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com^®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld^® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

Statements in this release contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. When used in this release, the words "expects," "estimates," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "believes," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "targets" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals, or actions we may take in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's intentions and expectations regarding acquisitions of aircraft, and the benefits to the Company thereof.  All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 and Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 2011.

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SOURCE American Airlines