American Orders 15 More Boeing Aircraft

American Airlines, the second-largest U.S. air carrier, said it had ordered 15 more Boeing 777 aircraft for a modest international expansion. The order could be worth as much as $2 billion, based on a list price of about $138 million for each 777, although Seattle-based Boeing Co. typically gives large discounts to major customers such as American, a unit of Dallas-based AMR Corp. The additional 777s, scheduled for delivery in 2000 and 2001, also will allow American to begin planning the retirement of its DC-10 fleet, the carrier said. The order brings the total number of Boeing 777s American is buying to 34, with the first deliveries scheduled for next year. On the New York Stock Exchange, Boeing shares slipped 38 cents to close at $26.81, and AMR shares rose 6 cents to close at $60.38.