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In-Brief

American Airlines revamping fleet with new narrowbody aircraft

Main cabin seating for the A312, A319 and B737 aircraft. (Courtesy: American Airlines)

American Airlines is moving forward with plans to enhance and modernize travel, announcing Monday the introduction of more than 200 new narrowbody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, which are part of the previously announced order for 460 new planes.

“We intend to be the only airline to offer a three-class service and the first to offer fully lie-flat First and Business Class seats on transcontinental flights with our Airbus A321 transcontinental aircraft,” said Virsab Vahidi, American’s chief commercial officer.

“By using the A321 aircraft with three classes of service and outfitted with fully lie-flat premium class seats, all-aisle access in First Class, and state-of-the-art amenities, we will be able to continue providing an industry-leading premium experience on transcontinental routes, while significantly reducing costs through improved fuel efficiency,” he said.

It is expected that some of the new aircraft may be used to serve the Puerto Rico market. American plans to adopt into its fleet 130 current-generation Airbus aircraft from the A321 and A319 variants and 100 current -generation Boeing 737-800s through 2017.

Starting in 2017, American will take incorporate 130 next-generation Airbus aircraft and beginning in 2018 the airline plans to take in 100 next generation 737 MAX aircraft.

In addition to modern interiors, these aircraft will also keep customers connected with inflight Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft; entertained with in-seat entertainment at every seat; and fully charged with individual 110-volt universal AC power outlets and USB jacks at every seat.

Plus, Main Cabin Extra seating, installed on all new deliveries beginning in August 2012 on the Boeing 737-800, will offer the option of more legroom and priority boarding privileges.

All of these new deliveries also incorporate the latest improvements to reduce fuel burn, which helps American continue on the path toward reducing its carbon footprint, the airline said.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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