American Airlines is setting out to be ‘better than its competitors’ with a $2 billion upgrade of its fleet and land services.
This will include refreshed cabins and clubs, new ticket counters, new technology on aircraft and at airports plus new aircraft.
The move comes a year after the airline completed its merger with US Airways. The merger saw the two airlines’ unit network, frequent flyer programs, cargo operations and more.
“Now that we have the network to compete globally, we’re going to deliver a product that’s better than our competitors.”
Doug Parker, American Airlines chief executive
American Airlines’ biggest competitors include other US carriers like Delta Air Lines and international carriers such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines and the Virgin group.
To exceed their standards of flying, American Airlines will add 112 aircraft to its fleet next year. This is in addition to the 100 aircraft delivered this year.
112 new aircraft to join the AA fleet in 2015.
The airline will have the youngest fleet of any US-based network carrier, with the average aircraft age at 12.3 years.
Another 86 aircraft are expected to join the fleet in 2016. Orders are made up of A320s, A350s, B737s, B777s and B787s.
Existing B757s and B767s will be refitted with new cabins. They will receive fully lie-flat seats in business class and the main cabin will receive power ports and in-flight wifi.
Meanwhile nose-to-tail refurbishments will be made to the airline’s 90 A319s and all B777s over the new few years.
The B777s will feature business class seats designed specifically for American Airlines’ customers with direct aisle access; and a new walk-up bar.
All main cabin seats will be given in-seat entertainment.
AA keeping passenger connected with inflight wifi. Image: cunaplus/Shutterstock
The A319s will receive new seats throughout first class and the main cabin. An additional 25 main cabin seats will also be installed as well as power outlets.
Travellers on American Airlines’ new 737s and new A321s will be able to charge their phones and other devices using power ports in every row.
While, internet is coming to all 777s and A330s plus retrofitted 767s, 757s and 787s.
The American Airlines airport experience is also getting an overhaul, with updated lobby designs as well as new, faster and more reliable kiosk check-in counters.
500 worktables with 12 power outlets each and seating for eight people will be installed near gates at all hub and gateway airports so passengers can charge their devices before their flight.
“We invented the airport lounge and in 2015 customers can expect us to reinvent the lounge experience.”
Fernand Fernandez, American Airlines vice president of global marketing.
Earlier today, American Airlines released its November traffic results. For the month total revenue passenger miles were down by 0.5 percent on the same period last year. Total capacity was 20.8 billion available seat miles – up 0.9 percent and total passenger load factor was 77.7 percent for the month, down 1.1 points verse November 2013.
