National law firm Husch Blackwell represented American Airlines in the negotiation of purchase agreements for 85 of Airbus’s A321neo family aircraft and 85 of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 aircraft. The orders also include options and purchase rights for an additional 150 aircraft. As part of the Boeing order, American Airlines converted 30 existing 737 MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 aircraft.
The orders are part of American’s continued investment to expand premium seats across its narrowbody and regional fleets and support the long-term strength of the airline’s domestic and short-haul international network.
“I’m grateful for the enduring partnership with American Airlines and proud of the role our team has played over the years in supporting American Airlines in its endeavors to enhance the travel experience for its customers,” said David Agee, the partner who leads Husch Blackwell’s American Airlines representations. “This deal follows other complex transactions in which we have had the opportunity to support American Airlines over the years.”
Husch Blackwell has handled transactions for American Airlines involving well over 1,000 new aircraft, in addition to related engine and maintenance service agreements. In 2019, Husch Blackwell represented American Airlines in negotiations to acquire 50 newly developed Airbus A321XLR aircraft and before that were involved in American Airlines’ order in 2011, involving a combined order of 925 firm and option Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the largest aircraft order in history at the time.
In addition, Husch Blackwell has also negotiated various agreements on behalf of American Airlines with CFM International for LEAP 1-B engines to power the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10 fleets. The agreements, among other things, provide for the purchase of spare engines, and include a new 20-year service agreement covering American Airlines’ existing and new fleet of LEAP-1B engines.
Agee and Amanda Tummons co-led the aircraft transactions with support from Annorah Harris, while Agee and Chris Sundberg co-led the engine deal with support from Lynn Ryan.
For further information on the aircraft transaction, please refer to the March 4, 2024, American Airlines press release. For further information on the engine transaction, please refer to the March 6, 2024, CFM International press release.