US airline in big order for Boeing jets

American Airlines is ordering 47 new Boeing jets with a combined list price of $US12.3 billion to replace some of its oldest planes.

It is also cancelling an order with Boeing's European rival, Airbus, that was made by US Airways before it merged with American, and delaying delivery of 40 other Boeing planes.

American announced on Friday it has ordered two sizes of Boeing's 787, a two-aisle jet. They are scheduled to join its fleet beginning in 2020.

The first arrivals will replace Boeing 767 jets, and later deliveries starting in 2023 will replace Airbus A330 and older Boeing 777 jets in American's fleet.

It did not disclose terms but airlines routinely get big discounts on planes.

American currently flies 35 Boeing 787 jets on international routes.