Judge Approves AA Buying New Planes

Thursday, Jan 24, 2013 | Updated 6:26 AM CDT

Judge grants permission for American Airlines to buy new, fuel-efficient Boeing and Airbus planes.

A bankruptcy judge has granted permission for American Airlines to buy new, fuel-efficient Boeing and Airbus planes.

Parent company AMR Corp. said Wednesday the move will allow American to sign contracts with aircraft and engine manufacturers to make its fleet the youngest among top U.S. airlines by 2017.

Fort Worth-based American plans to take delivery of nearly 60 planes this year and has 550 aircraft on order.

American in July 2011 announced that it would buy 460 new Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-series planes in the coming years with $13 billion in manufacturer financing and take options to buy additional jets.

AMR filed for bankruptcy reorganization in November 2011. The company is considering whether to join with US Airways Group Inc.

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