American Airlines expected to announce jet orders Wednesday

Published 7:32 am Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Leaders at American Airlines are expected to announce a huge aircraft order on Wednesday.

The order could be for up to 400 jets, split between the Boeing Co. and Airbus, according to a Dallas Morning News report. However, other reports say the order will be for 200 to 250 aircraft.

One interesting twist: Boeing is thought to have offered its 737 with a new engine,Reuters reports. The Chicago-based jet maker has been contemplating whether to re-engine its single-aisle 737 or come out with an all new replacement.

Local analyst Scott Hamilton believes Boeing will do both. He suggests Boeing will offer the updated, re-engined 737, which would be delivered in 2017, and a completely new plane, which will be introduced in 2021.

Airbus has enjoyed success with its A320 new engine option, or neo, which has received more than 1,000 orders and commitments already.

The American order is garnering plenty of speculation. Here are a few more stories:

The Wall Street Journal says that American is leaning toward Airbus for the order.

Bloomberg News suggests the carrier will split the order.