American Airlines is planning to buy 23 more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, attaching these to a previous order that now will total 30 of the twin-engine, narrow-body jets. Deliveries for half of these jets are scheduled for 2023, and the rest in 2024.
Boeing has not commented on the news, which could mean American’s total order for 737 MAX 8 jets is now worth $2.8 billion, based on the book value for that model. However, such purchases typically include various discounts for the buyer and the actual cost to American is not known.
The purchase plan was disclosed by American in a Securities Exchange Commission filing, in which the airline detailed that it is exercising seven purchase options to acquire the new 737 MAX jets, and also deferring delivery of some 787-9 Dreamliner long-range jets, which had been set for January 2023. Reportedly, this will mean American delays adding some international routes to its schedule.
American’s spending plans are consistent with decisions by other airlines in recent months, favoring narrow-body aircraft purchases to fit the current and forecast strength of that commercial travel sector, while downplaying the long-range and intercontinental travel sector.
The 737 MAX 8 is the midsized version of the MAX series, with seating for 178 to 210 passengers, depending on configuration. American Airlines currently has 39 737 MAX 8 jets – having placed orders and options for up to 100 of the aircraft in February 2013.
