IRVINE, California ... American Airlines says it plans to order as many as 100 new 787s from the Boeing Company., upgrading its aging fleet and potentially providing a substantial boost to the Chicago-based airplane maker.

American plans to take delivery of 42 of the 787s in 2012, with an option to buy 58 more between 2015 and 2020. At list prices, the first batch of planes would be worth about $8 billion to Boeing. The deal with American would be a significant addition to Boeing’s Dreamliner orders, which now total 895 planes.

Eaton is a key supplier on the new B787 including hydraulic system pumps, motors, fittings, couplings and valves; fuel system feed, jettison and jet pimps and valves; propulsion system lubrication, pressure sensors, filter modules, tube, hose and coupling assemblies, and engine fluid health monitoring components; actuation and control components including flight .lock and door actuation systems and environmental control system air management ducting.

The biggest 787 orders so far have been made by Qantas, International Lease Finance Corp. and All Nippon Airways.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2007 sales of $13 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 81,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.