Category Archives: American Airlines

American Airlines introduces its new Airbus A321neo

American Airlines introduced customers to its new Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, welcoming its newest aircraft into the youngest fleet among U.S. network airlines.

The first flight was American Flight 682 from Phoenix (PHX) to Orlando, Florida (MCO). Other routes will be added this year as additional A321neos join the fleet.

American’s A321neo gives customers a fully connected onboard experience. It includes power at every seat and free wireless entertainment and live TV streamed right to each customer’s own device. For those who want to stay connected to work or use their own streaming services, the aircraft has high-speed Wi-Fi from gate to gate along with built-in seatback holders for tablets and phones.

N400AN, American’s first Airbus A321neo, ready for departure at PHX gate B14

American today offers more power outlets on mainline aircraft than any other airline.

With 196 seats, including 129 in Main Cabin, the neo has room for everyone. The aircraft offers 47 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats, more than any of American’s other domestic aircraft. It also features 20 first class seats, four more than the airline’s earlier A321s, as American continues to make significant investments in the premium travel experience.

“We worked closely with Airbus to develop this cabin configuration with the features our customers want, including the Airbus XL overhead bins, which are the largest available for this aircraft and hold 65 percent more bags than our earlier A321s,” said Janelle Anderson, Vice President of Marketing for American. “Today’s flight is a culmination of years of planning and work to make sure this plane is a good fit for everyone onboard, and we think customers and team members are going to love it.”

American has ordered a total of 100 A321neos. The fuel-efficient aircraft is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and is ETOPS-certified for over-water flights.

Photos: American Airlines.

American Airlines launches Airbus A321neo service with new cabin, larger overhead luggage bins

American Airlines is starting scheduled flights with the first of its 100 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on order. These aircraft come equipped with an all-new cabin interior designed for enhanced passenger comfort and convenience, including larger Airspace XL overhead luggage bins that increase carry-on bag capacity.

American is the launch customer for the Airspace XL bins, which provide approximately 40 percent more overhead storage space for passengers on board the 196-seat aircraft. In addition to equipping its new A321neos with the XL bins, American also plans to retrofit its entire in-service fleet of earlier A321 models – more than 200 aircraft – with the cabin features included on the new A321neos.

The Airspace XL bins accommodate larger luggage – up 24” x 16” x 10” – allowing standard roll-on bags to be loaded on their sides instead of being inserted flat. This creates room for up to four bags in each bin instead of the current three. The larger bins will significantly reduce the number of passenger bags checked at the gate, and sent to the cargo hold.

American‘s selected cabin layout allows the airline greater flexibility in seating arrangements and use of cabin space. The two class cabin will gain an additional row of first-class seats, bringing the total to 20. Outfitting the A321neo with a free wireless inflight-entertainment (IFE) system allows passengers to select a wide-range of options from their own devices. LED mood lighting will enhance the cabin environment.

Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and ETOPS certified for lengthy over water flights, the A321neo will allow American to carry larger loads on its longer, more densely travelled routes such as Los Angeles and Phoenix to Orlando, or West Coast hubs to Hawaii.

The A321neo is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 percent per seat from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as a 50 percent noise reduction.

American Airlines’ statement of the grounding of its 24 Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft

On March 13, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including the 8 and 9 variants, as a precautionary measure. This includes the 24 MAX 8 aircraft in the American Airlines fleet. We are complying with the FAA directive.

On average, American operates 85 flights per day on the MAX 8, out of 6,700 departures throughout the American Airlines system.
The safety and security of our team members and our customers remains our top priority. We continue to have the utmost confidence in our fleet, which is flown by our highly-trained pilots and maintained by our highly-skilled maintenance team.
American regularly monitors aircraft performance and safety parameters across our entire fleet, including extensive flight data collection. This data, along with our analysis, gives us confidence in the safe operation of all of our aircraft, and contributes to American’s exemplary safety record. American has flown more than 2.5 million passengers — during 46,400 operating hours encompassing nearly 18,000 flights — safely on our MAX 8 fleet since the first one was delivered Sept. 2017 and began commercial service later that November.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some of our customers. Our team will work with all customers impacted by these flight cancellations in order to rebook them to their final destination. Affected customers may rebook themselves on aa.com by retrieving their reservation or using our mobile app. If a flight is canceled, customers may request a full refund by visiting our website. Customers who booked through a travel agent are requested to contact their agency directly.
American is working in close coordination with our union partners, the Department of Transportation, FAA, National Transportation Safety Board and other regulatory authorities, as the safety of our team members and customers is always our number one priority.

Above Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N314RH (msn 44455) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 945358.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Allied Pilots Association remains confident in the Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

Allied Pilots Association, representing the pilots of American Airlines, issued this statement:

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, remains confident in the Boeing 737 Max and in our members’ ability to safely fly it.

The pilots for the world’s largest airline have the necessary training and experience to troubleshoot problems and take decisive actions on the flight deck to protect our passengers and crew. Our pilots are a major reason why American Airlines is an industry leader in aviation safety.

In the wake of the tragic loss of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on Sunday, people around the world are jumping to conclusions about the Boeing 737 Max. Federal and international authorities have just begun to look into Sunday’s accident. It is too early to determine possible causes.

APA and American Airlines jointly operate a Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) program that monitors all AA flights. We get notification of anything that would be a precursor to the maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) activating. We have reviewed data for more than 14,000 flights since the Lion Air Flight 610 accident in Indonesia last October, and we have not seen a single anomaly related to the MCAS.

The flying public should also be aware that American Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX planes are unique. After the loss of Lion Air Flight 610, Boeing disclosed that the MCAS can be triggered by a single erroneous Angle of Attack (AOA) event. The two dozen 737 MAX aircraft in the American Airlines fleet are the only ones equipped with two AOA displays, one for each pilot, providing an extra layer of awareness and warning.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which is on site in Africa with the National Transportation Safety Board, has issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification to the International Community (CANIC) for Boeing 737 MAX operators. We look forward to them completing their investigation and sharing the facts it will reveal.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by American): American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N342RX (msn 44466) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104956.

American Airlines aircraft slide show:

American Airlines to apply for additional service at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

American Airlines will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate additional service to Tokyo Haneda (HND) from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX) and Las Vegas (LAS). American’s application is a result of the U.S. and Japan reaching a tentative agreement last month to expand access at HND, which would open up to 12 additional daytime slot pairs for U.S. carrier operations.

(Boeing illustration) (PRNewsfoto/Boeing)

American’s trans-Pacific gateways

American currently operates one daily flight between LAX and HND, which began in 2016. An additional flight from LAX would provide American’s customers with even more options and a convenient schedule between Tokyo and the airline’s West Coast hub. Additionally, DFW, American’s largest hub, serves as an important gateway to Asia with proven local and connecting traffic. With two daily flights, customers traveling from Haneda to DFW would be able to connect to and from more than 800 daily flights and more than 200 destinations throughout American’s vast network.

Betting on Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the largest unserved U.S. markets for Japanese travelers. In January, American, together with JAL, operated a special nonstop flight between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and LAS around CES® 2019. Nonstop service was available Jan. 4–14 on American’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8.

Proposed summer 2020 schedule

Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Aircraft
DFW–HND	12:35 p.m.	3:55 p.m.	777-200
DFW–HND	3 p.m.	6:30 p.m.	777-200
LAS–HND	1:30 p.m.	5:25 p.m.	787-8
LAX–HND	12:40 a.m.	4:45 a.m.	787-8

Pacific Joint Business

American’s proposed Haneda service would be operated as part of the airline’s Pacific Joint Business with JAL. The Pacific Joint Business was established in 2011 and covers travel among 11 countries in Asia and North America. It allows the two airlines to coordinate schedules, network and service to give more than 3.1 million annual customers access to up to 23 daily trans-Pacific flights from 15 gateway cities in Asia and North America.

American Airlines prepares for a big summer season in Charlotte

American Airlines is getting ready for a big summer in Charlotte with more flights, new destinations and a refreshed Admirals Club, which reopens today. The airline plans to operate more than 700 daily flights out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) by the end of this year.

“With new gates opening at the end of this year, increases in frequencies on popular routes, new international service and a renovated Admirals Club, there’s so much to look forward to in Charlotte,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning for American. “We’ll continue to be the best airline with the most choices in Charlotte for business and leisure customers.”

Increased service

CLT is on track to grow from an average of 664 daily flights today to more than 700 daily flights by the end of 2019. And part of that growth begins this summer as American adds more service to popular destinations, opening additional access to American’s vast network.

“This is an exciting time for our 11,500 Charlotte-based team members and our customers,” said Dec Lee, Vice President of Charlotte Hub Operations. “We are creating a world-class customer experience, providing access to more than 160 destinations in 23 countries.”

American is adding two new daily flights from Charlotte to Baltimore (BWI), two to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL), one to Orlando, Florida (MCO), and one to Newark, New Jersey (EWR), providing more service on those routes than any other airline. From CLT, American operates 80 flights per day to Florida, 30 flights per day to the New York metro area and 25 flights per day to the Washington, D.C. area. Enhanced schedules will benefit local and connecting customers alike with convenient flight times throughout the day.

American also plans to increase service from CLT to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) for a total of up to 10 daily flights; Los Angeles (LAX) for up to eight daily flights; and New York (JFK) and EWR for up to 16 daily flights. The additional domestic flights are on aircraft equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, and customers will be able to experience enhanced entertainment including complimentary access to Apple Music, which lets subscribers stream more than 50 million songs, playlists and music videos in flight.

The new flights will be available for sale March 4.

New and improved Admirals Club

Admirals Club members traveling through CLT can experience the newly renovated lounge in Concourse B when it reopens today after closing in July for renovations. It reopens with enhanced beverage offerings, including complimentary alcoholic beverages like select wines, beers and well liquors; a modern complimentary food bar; and more robust food options and premium alcohol available for purchase.

The renovated lounge also features a Business Center with five semi-private workstations.

The Admirals Club offers premium services to members, including personal assistance with reservations, seat selection, upgrades and boarding passes.

New destinations

As previously announced, American will operate its newest long-haul international service from CLT to Munich (MUC) beginning March 30. The daily, year-round service will be operated on an Airbus A330-200, featuring 20 lie-flat business class seats and 21 Premium Economy seats, which offer more space, enhanced amenities and elevated meals and drinks. CLT customers can also look forward to eight additional new routes in 2019, including flights to Erie, Pennsylvania (ERI), beginning in May, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ), and Traverse City, Michigan (TVC), starting in June.

Charlotte is American’s second-largest hub and the sixth-busiest airport in the country based on aircraft movement. American is committed to making investments in the Charlotte community focusing on education, health, human services and military/veteran initiatives, and has donated more than $3.5 million to North Carolina nonprofit organizations since 2013. American is also the official airline of the Carolina Panthers.

All images by American Airlines.

American Airlines now offers upscale private airport entrance, security screening and helicopter transfers

American Airlines is expanding its exclusive Five Star Service options for its top customers traveling through Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK). The new additions offer off-terminal entrance and private screening service with The Private Suite in LAX and a unique effortless travel experience to JFK or LAX airports with Blade, a digitally powered aviation company.

Expedited security screening at The Private Suite’s terminal entrance

American Airlines Five Star Service is a premium and personal airport experience available for departures, connections or arrivals in select markets. Customers purchasing a Five Star Service experience can take the worry out of travel and customize their experience to fit their interests. The services provided by Blade and The Private Suite will be available as add-ons for customers purchasing Five Star Service or Five Star Select — an elevated Five Star Service experience with access to Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining.

“We understand the value our customers put on their time and a personalized end-to-end travel experience — whether it is a private travel experience, a little more luxury, fine dining in the airport or getting to the gate quickly, we have them covered,” said Janelle Anderson, Vice President of Global Marketing. “This gives our customers a range of choices when traveling on American.”

Customers in the Los Angeles or the New York areas can skip the traffic and get to the airport faster with a private helicopter transfer from Blade. When traveling with Blade, customers will be picked up in the city at a destination of their choice and flown to LAX or JFK where they’ll be greeted by an American Airlines team member and escorted via Cadillac to Flagship First Check-In. After clearing security, customers can spend their extra time relaxing or working in the Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge or Flagship First Dining before their flight. Blade service is also available for arriving customers.

Private helicopter transfer from Blade

“The No. 1 pain point of traveling from New York City and Los Angeles to the airports is traffic. Our Blade airport transfer product turns an hour-and-a-half drive into a helicopter flight that’s five to seven minutes,” said Rob Wiesenthal, founder and CEO of Blade. “Blade and American Airlines will now provide customers with a seamless experience from the door of the helicopter to their seat on their American flight.”

Premium cabin customers who value efficiency, luxury and privacy when traveling through LAX can choose to access The Private Suite’s private entrance to LAX, away from crowds and traffic. The exclusive, first-of-its-kind terminal offers customers with departing flights private, expedited security screening on site with Cadillac escort across the tarmac directly to their gate or to the Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining. Similarly, arriving customers can clear international customs in fewer than five minutes at The Private Suite’s own dedicated international arrivals hall.

“LAX is one of the busiest airports in the country,” said Josh Gausman, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Private Suite. “Now, American Airlines customers will be able to skip typical airport congestion, clear security in seconds, and be whisked across the airfield directly to their flight or to the exceptional Flagship First Dining. There aren’t many better ways to experience LAX.”

American Airlines flight attendant union demands investigation into company’s involvement in demeaning sex object video

APFA issued this statement:

A video that went viral last night has prompted the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to demand that American Airlines (AA) CEO Doug Parker conduct an independent investigation of Management’s involvement in the incident. The video, which was posted on Twitter, captured a skit of individuals portrayed as Flight Attendants promoting sex appeal as an attraction to AA’s most prominent and lucrative passengers, those with premium Executive Platinum status. It is set to the musical score of “Big Spender.”

Reportedly, the skit was part of a fundraising auction and event with AA customers. AA Senior Management has represented to the APFA that it has nothing to do with the private skit or event.

APFA wants to know the details of Management’s involvement. Where was this skit performed? How was it allowed to be performed at an AA event? How did private members get a list of other Advantage members to hold this allegedly private event? Did the Company donate any resources for the event? Why was AA’s logo involved? What is AA’s relationship to the sponsor of the event? Will AA take responsibility or try to shift blame?

“This cannot be happening in today’s environment. We will not tolerate our profession being objectified in a sexist manner,” said APFA National President Lori Bassani. “We want the facts about the Company’s involvement and we want answers.”

APFA wants to be included in the independent investigation. “Let us get to the bottom of what really happened. A Facebook statement is not enough.”

American to add daily Los Angeles – Louisville service

American Airlines is adding daily nonstop American flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Louisville (SDF) beginning in April 2019.

The flight will depart from Louisville at 7:24 am and arrives in LA at 9:00 am local time, the return departs at 10:55 pm and arrives in Louisville at 6:02 am.