Continuing its fleet renewal momentum this year, American Airlines
today took delivery of the first Airbus A321 Transcontinental aircraft,
complete with fully lie-flat First and Business Class seats. The new
aircraft is scheduled to enter service next year, making American the
only U.S. carrier to offer customers more choices with a three-class
configuration when flying between New York and Los Angeles, and New York and San Francisco.
The
A321T will offer a comfortable flying experience from coast to coast
with fully lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, with direct aisle
access for all First Class customers for ease of moving about the
cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Main Cabin Extra seating, giving
Main Cabin customers the option of up to six inches of extra legroom,
and every seat onboard features in-seat entertainment with up to 200
movies, up to 180 TV programs, more than 350 audio selections and up to
20 games. Individual AC power outlets and USB jacks are available at
every seat throughout the aircraft. Customers will have an enhanced
experience connecting with Gogo's upgraded ATG-4 Wi-Fi service.
"As the only airline to offer a three-class transcontinental service, we're delivering on what our customers flying between New York
and the West Coast value," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief
Commercial Officer. "With fully lie-flat seats in the premium cabins,
new menu options, and enhanced amenities, the A321T aircraft allows us
to provide our customers with amenities that, until now, have
traditionally been reserved for those traveling internationally."
American will begin operating the A321T between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles
International Airport (LAX) in January. The aircraft will initially
operate two of American's daily flights between JFK and LAX and will
operate all frequencies between the two airports in June, when American
increases its frequencies to 13 daily flights. The A321T will also begin
flying between JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in March 2014
and will operate all frequencies between the two airports in June, when
American increases its frequencies to five daily flights.
"The flexibility of the A320 Family cabin allows airlines creative freedom with their passenger amenities," said John Leahy,
Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. "American has clearly taken
advantage of all this aircraft has to offer and customized its A321 to
optimize operations and customers' comfort."
The new A321T
incorporates the latest improvements to reduce fuel burn, marking
another important advancement toward American's efforts to build a more
fuel-efficient fleet. On the road to building a younger and more modern
fleet, American plans to take delivery of nearly 60 new aircraft total
by the end of the year, including new Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing
737-800s, Airbus A319s and Airbus A321Ts. The airline will continue its
fleet renewal program in 2014 with more new aircraft deliveries,
including the Boeing 787, which is scheduled to join American's fleet
late next year.
In addition, American's current and future
deliveries from the Airbus A320 Family, including the A321T, feature
Airbus' Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS). This onboard cockpit
technology increases pilots' situational awareness during landing,
reduces exposure to runway excursion risk, and, if necessary, provides
active protection.