MONTREAL – Bombardier says American Airlines is the unidentified buyer in a US$1.14-billion purchase that was announced six weeks ago.

The U.S. carrier placed the firm order for 24 CRJ900 regional jets in December.

The 76-seat planes will be operated under the American Eagle brand by regional subsidiary PSA Airlines.

The order announced on Dec. 30 converts some of the 40 options that American got as part of a larger order in 2013.

Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) has received firm orders for 1,858 CRJ aircraft, including 384 CRJ900s.