American Airlines has sealed the first portion of its industry-record $10b debt deal that highlights the extent to which investors are searching for income even in sectors badly hit by the pandemic. The Texas-based airline issued $6.5b worth of junk bonds on Wednesday as part of a package that also includes $3.5b in loans. The $10b fundraising marks the biggest debt deal ever by an airline, beating Delta's $9b bond and loan sale in September. The $10b bond and loan deal drew $45b worth of orders, according to one person familiar with the matter. Both the bond and loan parts of American’s deal were increased on Wednesday from $5b and $2.5b respectively after investors rushed into the debt, encouraged by central bank support and desperate for returns.<br/>