So we should be getting the 737 in STL about the time I will be retiring (2012). Figures!
Do you need some Scope, to rinse out that bitter taste in your mouth?
Here is the entire story...
737s Flying Into Fleet Renewal Plan
American has taken an important first step toward renewing its fleet - while continuing to improve fuel fleet efficiency and lower operating costs -- by accelerating the delivery of Boeing 737-800 aircraft to replace some of its MD-80s.
AA has notified Boeing that it intends to begin pulling forward the delivery of 47 737s, originally scheduled to arrive in 2013-2016, into the 2009-2012 timeframe. The first three aircraft are expected to arrive in early 2009, with the timing of the remaining aircraft deliveries dependent upon a variety of factors, such as American's financial condition and the health of the economy and the airline sector.
"We believe that beginning to replace some of our MD-80s in a measured way makes economic sense and represents prudent and strategic reinvestment in our business that will bring long-term benefits to shareholders, customers and employees," said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey. "Our existing agreement with Boeing gives us ample flexibility for our long-term fleet plan. While the MD-80 remains an excellent aircraft that serves us and our customers well, the new 737s will be a great addition to our fleet that will lower our operating costs, boost the fuel efficiency of our fleet and also bolster our efforts to lower emissions and noise levels."
Arpey cited the news as the latest example of AA's efforts to reduce operating costs and fuel consumption. American estimates that the 737 consumes 25 percent less fuel than an older MD-80. Arpey also said that the announcement today is a step toward the AA's goal of improving fleet fuel efficiency by more than 20 percent by 2020.
As part of AA's Fuel Smart program that has reduced consumption of jet fuel by about 95 million gallons annually, American continues to add winglets to its 737 and 757 fleets and is also saving fuel by employing high-speed tractors to tow airplanes on the ground and by taxiing aircraft with a single engine when feasible. American has set a goal in 2007 to increase Fuel Smart annualized consumption savings to 125 million gallons.
American's long-term purchase contract with Boeing gives AA substantial fleet flexibility and includes the right to purchase on short notice additional 737s well beyond the 47 committed aircraft as well as the right to purchase 787 aircraft.
The purchase contract with Boeing gives American the ability to obtain the 47 aircraft and additional 737 aircraft with a delivery schedule that best meets the needs of the business, without having to make large firm delivery commitments at a specific time, and American's "purchase rights" give it the ability to acquire such additional aircraft from Boeing with as little as 15 months notice.
Arpey noted that today's announcement represents a significant investment in the business and a necessary first step in what can be a long and capital intensive process. "It can take many years to replace 300 aircraft, which is why we need to move forward with fleet renewal today even as we continue to work to improve our financial and operational performance and strengthen our balance sheet," Arpey said. "Our announcement today shows that we are taking action to strike the right balance between reinvestment in the business and the need for financial improvement. As we continue to improve our financial performance we will have more flexibility to reinvest in the business for the future."