Originally Posted by Oldfreightdawg

Flew with a FO just back from furlough. His charm farm reception by AA brass indicated that AA wants to wait until there is a new plastic narrow body on the market--preferably from Boeing, that dovetails with the 787 (common type). AA only has purchase rights for the 787, no orders or options, which means they can walk from a Boeing deal with little or no financial penalties.

The 737 replacement plan for the MD-80 is only a stopgap measure. AA doesn't really want them. If Airbus beats Boeing to the punch on developing a carbon fiber narrow body, then we'll be flying Airbus'. Either way, AA will be flying MD-80's long after I'm gone.

I think they've thrown away the carrot, they're just using a stick now. I don't care what AA orders, so long as they restore my pay.