American Airlines has signed a sale-leaseback agreement with International Lease Finance (ILFC), under which it will sell 15 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and lease them back.

The agreement includes a pair of 737-800 jets, which were delivered in 2011, and 13 further planes to be delivered in 2012, accounting for nearly half of the 28 jets American Airlines has committed to buy next year.

According to American Airlines, the financing of each aircraft will be subject to certain terms and conditions.