AMR Places Big Order for New Jets

Despite a volatile economy and a $360 million third-quarter adjusted loss, American Airlines parent AMR (AMR Quote) said Wednesday it has ordered 42 Boeing (BA Quote) 787 jets and has options for 58 more.

"This is a difficult decision in these incredibly volatile times, but it is fundamental to the long-term strategy of the company, and we felt it was a wise decision to make," said Dan Garton, executive vice president for marketing, in an interview.

"Airlines are often criticized for buying at the peak and having the airplanes delivered four years later, for buying when things are great and then having the [deliveries] when things are bad," he said. ...