American Airlines to Buy as Many as 100 Boeing 757s

American Airlines announced a multibillion-dollar purchase of as many as 100 Boeing 757s today, the second big order for the aircraft maker this month.

Under the arrangement, American will acquire 50 757s with an option to purchase 50 more. American Chairman Robert Crandall would not disclose a dollar amount, but analysts have said the order is worth up to $4.2 billion.

American will take delivery of the planes starting in 1989. They are primarily designed as replacement airplanes for the aging 737s and 727s in American’s fleet.

The 194-passenger jetliners burn 25% less fuel than comparable aircraft, with ranges of 3,200 miles.

Analysts have said Seattle-based Boeing Co. could break previous records in 1988, a decade after the aerospace giant introduced the twin-engine jetliner. So far this year, Boeing has had 276 aircraft ordered, contrasted with just 88 ordered at this time last year.

The company just last week announced a $4.6-billion deal for 100 planes being purchased by International Lease Finance Corp. of Beverly Hills, Calif.