American Airlines Takes Delivery Of First Airbus A321 Transcontinental Aircraft

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

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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.

For more information on American's Airbus A321T and other fleet renewal plans, visit aa.com/newplanes. 

About American Airlines

American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 270 airports in nearly 50 countries and territories. American's fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly an average of more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American's website, aa.com^®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American's AAdvantage^® program, voted Airline Program of the Year at the 2013 Freddie Awards, lets members earn miles for travel and everyday purchases and redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club^® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld^® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve nearly 900 destinations served by more than 10,000 daily flights to more than 150 countries. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

SOURCE American Airlines