American Airlines accelerated Dreamliner orders just five days before FAA grounding

On the very day that the FAA launched its initial probe of Boeing 787 Dreamliner safety problems and five days before the FAA grounded them, American Airlines accelerated its delivery of the troubled aircraft.

American announced on January 14 that three days earlier it signed restructured aircraft purchasing agreements with Boeing, and reached a “comprehensive settlement” that includes speeding the delivery of 787 Dreamliners beginning in November 2014 and  continuing through September 2018.

Subject to bankruptcy court approval, as of January 31, 2013, American would have firm orders for 42 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with the option to buy 58 787 aircraft from Boeing.

The amended agreement with Boeing, which also alters purchasing agreements for Boeing 737 MAX and 777 aircraft, enables American to substitute up to 20 787-8 aircraft for the newer 787-9 Dreamliners, as well, American states.

That airlines such as American, United, Delta, All Nippon Airlines, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways and other carriers have a huge stake in Boeing getting its Dreamliner problems fixed quickly is a huge understatement.