US Airways puts the first American Airlines painted aircraft into revenue service this morning

US Airways (American Airlines Group) (Phoenix) has painted its first aircraft in American Airlines‘ (Dallas/Fort Worth) 2013 new livery. The pictured Airbus A319-112 N700UW (msn 885), formerly painted in the Star Alliance color scheme (which US Airways is leaving), was placed into revenue service early this morning (January 30) from the Charlotte hub to New York’s La Guardia Airport as flight US 2060.

US Airways issued this statement:

American Airlines today (January 30) entered into service the first legacy US Airways aircraft, an Airbus A319, painted in the American Airlines livery. The newly dressed plane, tail number N700UW, debuted its freshly painted fuselage with service from Charlotte to New York’s LaGuardia Airport on flight 2060.

The Airbus A319 recently spent 13 days receiving its makeover. In anticipation of the new coat of paint, the existing paint was gently removed, the aircraft sanded and washed. Following the metallurgical exfoliation, the seams were sealed, the aircraft masked and 80 gallons of specially chosen paint applied to the exterior. A final detailing was completed to ensure the highest shine before sending the plane out the door and back to work.

This past December, following the close of the merger with US Airways, a survey was launched allowing employees from both airlines to vote whether to change or to maintain American’s current livery. InJanuary 2014 the voting results were announced to keep the new flag tail livery.

The airline will be adding the new look to its entire fleet of aircraft over the next few years. Approximately 640 aircraft are in line to receive the makeover, with newly arriving legacy American Airlines aircraft already outfitted in the new colors and US Airways aircraft delivered in the new colors beginning this June. By the end of second quarter 2014 American Airlines anticipates that more than 275 mainline and regional aircraft will have been painted in the new livery.

Top Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. History was recorded early this morning at Charlotte (CLT) by Jay Selman. All US Airways aircraft repainted in American’s colors will have a special “Operated by US Airways” inscription by the front door until the two AOCs are merged into one operating certificate.

Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-112 N700UW returns to Charlotte today after completing its round trip to and from New York.