American Airlines has announced that it has entered a new purchase agreement with Boeing and intends to acquire 42 B787-9 aircraft, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2012 and ending in 2018, with the right to purchase up to 58 additional 787s. The new 787 Dreamliners will support American's wide-body replacement efforts, as well as international growth that is expected after American, British Airways and Iberia achieve antitrust immunity and implement a joint business agreement for flights between North America and Europe.
Boeing's Dreamliner, designed to carry up to 290 passengers, features improved air and water purification systems, as well as new humidification techniques and lower cabin pressure, which are expected to reduce passenger fatigue. In addition, the 787 advanced engine design provides a quieter operation, with an expected noise footprint 60 percent smaller than other aircraft of similar size, benefiting those in the air as well as those on the ground. The plane's lower overall weight and improved design will reduce impact on the environment by burning less fuel. The 787 aircraft also has overhead bins that are approximately 30 percent larger than comparable aircraft bins and 19-inch windows to make the cabin feel more spacious.