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The new 787 Dreamliner is rolled out, July 8, 2007.

DALLAS -- American Airlines says it will buy 42 Boeing 787s with purchase rights for 58 more.

At list prices the 42 planes are worth $8.3 billion and the 58 would be worth $11.3 billion more.

The planes are scheduled for delivery between 2012 and 2018, and delivery of the additional planes would continue to 2020.

The Dallas-based airline expects the new Boeing planes will reduce fuel costs. Boeing says the 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than current planes of a similar size.

American is ordering the 787-9 version of the new widebody. It will carry up to 290 passengers on flights as long as 9,800 miles.

Development of the 787 has been delayed by production problems at the plant in Everett. Assembly is currently on hold because of the Machinists union strike. Boeing had hoped for the first flight by the end of the year, but that is considered unlikely.