It is no surprise that American Airlines is rumoured to be on the verge of ordering more than 250 narrowbody aircraft to replace its ageing fleet. It will be surprise if that order contains a majority of Airbus aircraft however. As an operator of an all-Boeing fleet, securing an order would be a significant shot in the arm for Airbus.
Delta Air Lines is also planning to make a final decision on an order for up to 200 aircraft by the end of the year.
Both Southwest Airlines and United Continental Holdings are also mulling potential orders.
American Airlines has already announced orders for 130 737-800s to replace its aging MD-80 aircraft. Today, it operates has 128 737s and 247 MD-80s.