American Airlines has increased its order for Boeing 777-300ERs to 20, says chairman and chief executive Tom Horton.

The Fort Worth-based Oneworld alliance member previously disclosed an order for 15 of the type, split between 13 firm orders and two options.

"We had a little secret," Horton tells Flightglobal onboard American's inaugural 777-300ER flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Sao Paulo Guarulhos on 31 January.

It was not clear whether the additional five aircraft are options or firm orders. Boeing's online orders and deliveries page still lists firm orders by American Airlines for 13 777-300ERs. The database does not include a listing for options or commitments.

American is slated to receive eight 777-300ERs this year, which will bring the total number in its fleet to 10.

The airline plans to use the aircraft between Dallas-Fort Worth and both London Heathrow and Sao Paulo, Los Angeles and Heathrow, and New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Heathrow this year.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news