American Air Steps Up Fleet Renewal Plan

American Airlines said it has moved up the delivery of six additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft into the first half of 2009.

The carrier said in March it pulled forward the delivery of 47 Boeing 737-800 aircraft under a previously existing purchase commitment with Boeing.

American intends eventually to replace its 300 aging, gas-guzzling MD-80s. The MD-80 is no longer manufactured and consumes more fuel than the 737 models.

The airline industry has been battered by high fuel costs in recent years, and fleet replacement is becoming a higher priority as newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft models emerge.