Showing posts with label American Airlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Airlines. Show all posts

14 March, 2024

Airlines try to leverage Boeing woes despite lack of alternatives

United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 10.
Airline executives are frustrated with Boeing as its safety crisis has upended their business plans. But in a tight market for large aircraft supplied by two companies, they have little choice but do business with the U.S. planemaker, reports Rajesh Kumar Singh from Reuters.

Despite some public displays of alarm - United Airlines  CEO Scott Kirby flew to France to talk with Airbus as Boeing's latest crisis erupted - carriers are still negotiating new plane orders, looking to leverage Boeing's delays to secure better terms.

Boeing's delivery schedule faces extended delays following a Jan. 5 mid-flight cabin blowout that exposed problems with safety and quality control in its manufacturing processes. But rival Airbus already has a backlog of orders that makes shifting over a non-starter.

Instead, airlines are adopting a variety of strategies to try to stay in the game with Boeing, using orders of one type of plane as a placeholder to possibly take deliveries of a different model. They also are negotiating harder, looking to use production delays to get discounts from the planemaker on new orders and compensation for financial losses.

"Boeing customers don't have much option but to stick with Boeing whether they like it or not," said Scott Hamilton, managing director at aviation consulting firm Leeham Company.
Kirby has been among the most vocal in expressing frustrations with Boeing. He met with Airbus after regulators grounded all of United's Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet and put a big question mark over certification of the larger variant MAX 10, which was due for deliveries this year and was to be the cornerstone of United's fleet.

08 March, 2024

Engine-uity reigns at American’s Tulsa maintenance base

With thousands of parts, many moving at extremely high speeds in an extremely hot environment, modern turbofan engines are a miracle of engineering. But after thousands of arrivals, departures and flight hours, heavy maintenance is required to keep fan blades spinning and customers and team members moving safely in the air. That’s where American’s Base Maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, comes in.



Located in the geographic center of the mainland United States, American’s Tech Ops – Tulsa maintenance base has been the backbone of American’s maintenance, repair and overhaul work since 1946. It’s the world’s largest commercial aircraft maintenance base, employing nearly 5,000 team members, including more than 3,200 licensed aviation maintenance technicians and overhaul support mechanics. Each year, more than 800 of the airline’s aircraft visit the base, where the team works around the clock to maintain everything from seats to avionics and complete regularly scheduled maintenance work.

Tucked away in a non-descript building in the middle of the 246-acre base is American’s engine shop, known as American Airlines Engine Repair Overhaul or AAERO. The AAERO team is the best in the business when it comes to overhauling an engine, which means taking it apart completely and rebuilding it. Engines typically require an overhaul after 20,000 flight hours or 7,000 takeoffs and landings. This year, American’s engine shop is on track to increase engine overhaul throughput by nearly 60% over last year, or 150 engines annually, outperforming industry peers by a wide margin. That means fewer aircraft out of service and an even more reliable operation.

“The most important thing to me is the passenger, “said Kevin Harris, Technical Crew Chief for the CFM56 engine, which powers a majority of American’s Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 family aircraft. “Their safety is our number one goal. That engine, to me, is at the heart of keeping them safe.”
The Tech Ops – Tulsa facility was recently awarded $22 million from the State of Oklahoma to make enhancements at the base. The funds are in addition to a $31.6 million engine shop capital investment and ongoing $350 million improvement project made by American. As a result of these investments and added throughput, American is in the process of adding more than 300 new jobs a Tech Ops – Tulsa.












Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

New year, new goals: How to get the new AAdvantage year off to a rewarding start

The new AAdvantage status qualification year is underway. With many ways to earn Loyalty Points, the journey to status and rewards is simple.

Loyalty Points are earned toward status and can also unlock Loyalty Point Rewards starting at 15,000 Loyalty Points. The Loyalty Points balance resets to zero every March 1. This doesn’t impact AAdvantage® miles balances, which can still be used on future travel and experiences.

Each year, the Loyalty Points balance resets to zero March 1. Let the games begin: Members have 12 months to earn toward status and Loyalty Point Rewards.

Travel is better as an AAdvantage® member, and it’s even better with status. Reaching AAdvantage® status and Loyalty Point Rewards can level up travel with Priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, free checked bags and more.

This guide explores five easy ways to turn everyday spending into Loyalty Points and miles in addition to traveling on American and eligible partner airlines.

The AAdvantage program is the ultimate rewarding travel companion. If you aren’t already a member, sign up for free on aa.com.

05 March, 2024

American Airlines to retrofit Airbus jets to add more seats...

For the past decade, the A321 and A321neo aircraft have flown American’s customers across the U.S. and to short-haul international destinations. American continues to be the largest single-carrier operator in the world of A320 family aircraft.


“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single-aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

The carrier will start retrofitting its A319 and A320 aircraft beginning in 2025. The retrofit will refresh the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish.

American’s A319 fleet will be outfitted with more premium seats for a total of 12 domestic first-class seats. The A320 fleet retrofits will increase the aircraft’s domestic first-class seat count to 16.

With the planned refresh of existing aircraft and the expected deliveries of new aircraft, premium seating in American’s fleet is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2026.

04 March, 2024

American Airlines has placed an order for 85 Boeing 737 MAX jets.

American Airlines orders Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets
Boeing is celebrating a new order from American Airlines for its troubled 737 MAX jets, just at a time when the manufacturer needs some good news. 


It was confirmed today, that the U.S. mega-carrier is amending a previous order for 737 MAX 8 planes to the bigger version of the type the MAX 10. Plus it is further ordering 85 aircraft, with an option for another 75 MAX 10 jets.  

"Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers," said American's CEO Robert Isom. "These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers."

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 can carry up to 230 passengers and is said to offer a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles with a full load. 

The whole MAX programme has been beset with problems since its inception and maiden flight back on 29th January 2016. Two fatal crashes of this type - Lion Air Flight 610 in late 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in early 2019, took the lives of 346 leading to a worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX jets.  More recently, loose and missing bolts on door plugs have been found after urgent inspections were carried out after an Alaska Airlines' jet suffered a major blowout mid-flight. The programme has also suffered from issues relating to fuel tank debris, wing spur cracks, misaligned holes, fuselage quality issues and supply chain delays are all taking their toll. 

The Federal Aviation Administration said on Monday that an audit into Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems regarding the 737 MAX programme found multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements. There were "non-compliance issues in Boeing’s manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and product control."

Last week, the FAA ordered Boeing to develop and present a comprehensive plan to address "systemic quality-control issues within 90 days.  







Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

Another big Airbus order from American Airlines.

American Airlines orders 85 additional A321neo aircraft


American Airlines’ first A321neo was delivered in February 2019.
The U.S. mega carrier American Airlines, has signed a big firm order with Airbus for an additional 85 A321neo aircraft, this new order will mean the carrier has commitments for 219 of the type. 

“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernise and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “ For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 Family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

American Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 have been delivered as of January 31, 2024. The airline is the world's largest operator of A320 Family aircraft, the world’s largest A321 operator (CEO and NEO) and the largest customer for the A321neo in North America.

23 February, 2024

American Airlines to start new route between New York and Tokyo

American will launch service between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s convenient downtown Haneda Airport (HND) June 28. American is the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between JFK and Tokyo. Customers can connect in HND to more than 30 destinations in partnership with Japan Airlines.
Travelling to Japan will get easier this summer with new service from American Airlines between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). Last week, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) formally approved American’s application to become the only U.S. carrier operating nonstop service between JFK and HND.

“American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers to travel between the U.S. and Japan.”


American and Japan Airlines offer a comprehensive network between the U.S. and Japan
Launching June 28, American’s service will complement existing flights with joint business partner Japan Airlines. This summer, customers travelling between JFK and HND will have up to three daily flights to choose from operating at convenient times throughout the day.

American’s new daily flight will offer roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.

The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).

22 February, 2024

American Airlines becomes only U.S. carrier to fly between New York and Tokyo

American will launch service between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s convenient downtown Haneda Airport (HND) June 28. American is the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between JFK and Tokyo. Customers can connect in HND to more than 30 destinations in partnership with Japan Airlines.
Travelling to Japan will get easier this summer with new service from American Airlines between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). Last week, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) formally approved American’s application to become the only U.S. carrier operating nonstop service between JFK and HND.

“American looks forward to launching flights between JFK and HND this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will complement flights offered by our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, giving more ways for our customers travel between the U.S. and Japan.”


American and Japan Airlines offer comprehensive network between the U.S. and Japan
Launching June 28, American’s service will complement existing flights with joint business partner Japan Airlines. This summer, customers traveling between JFK and HND will have up to three daily flights to choose from operating at convenient times throughout the day.

American’s new daily flight will offer roundtrip connections to more than 30 cities across Japan and East Asia operated by Japan Airlines, including major cities such as Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.

The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).

21 February, 2024

Booking directly with American Airlines and its airline partners makes travel even better for AAdvantage members


When booking directly with American Airlines, customers enjoy the best possible travel experience. It's simple to manage trips online, receive travel credit for cancelled trips and more. When booking travel and earning with American, AAdvantage® members can unlock rewards and endless ways to use miles.

  • American is updating the way customers earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights
  • AAdvantage® member benefits like same-day standby and Trip Credit for cancelled flights are available when booking directly with American
  • Reach AAdvantage® status and unlock rewards faster when booking directly with American and its airline partners
  • American is making changes to its bag fees for travel booked on or after Feb. 20 and continues offering complimentary bags for all AAdvantage® status members


Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, American will update the way customers earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights, depending on where they book.

Customers will earn miles and Loyalty Points on flights when they:

Book directly with American and eligible partner airlines.
Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage Business™ member or contracted corporate traveller.
Book through preferred travel agencies. American will share a list of eligible preferred agencies on aa.com in late April.
Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.

“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, American's Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it's also where we offer the best fares and it's most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”

AAdvantage® members will also continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through non-airline partners, like the AAdvantage® eShopping℠, AAdvantage Hotels™ and AAdvantage Events™ platforms and more.

Adjustments to ancillary services

14 February, 2024

American Airlines scores partnership with Texas Rangers, the reigning World Champions

American Airlines is teaming up with the reigning World Champions, the Texas Rangers. The multiyear deal taps American as the Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program of the Texas Rangers and includes additional marketing and sponsorship benefits that will engage fans in the community and beyond.

"This partnership is a home run for both American and baseball fans," said Ron DeFeo, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at American. "Just as our airline connects people and places, we look forward to connecting fans with the excitement of baseball and unforgettable moments, especially for our AAdvantage members. It’s a celebration of teamwork, passion and the thrill of the game."

The collaboration will extend beyond the diamond, offering fans unique opportunities to travel to the games and enjoy exclusive perks. From throwing out the first pitch at a game and suite seats to once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets with popular players, American is set to enhance the fan experience and bring them closer to the action.

02 February, 2024

American Airlines will launch new service to Brisbane, Australia in October

Get ready to warm up next winter with more routes from American Airlines to exquisite beaches, vibrant landscapes and dream getaways in Australia, Brazil, Hawaii and Mexico.


From Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), American will add new service to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), in October, and Veracruz, Mexico (VER), in June. Additionally, from DFW, American will add new service to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and resume service to Kona, Hawaii (KOA), for the winter.

  • American Airlines will launch new service to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), in October with its newly designed Boeing 787-9 aircraft outfitted with Flagship Suite seats.
  • The industry’s leading domestic and short-haul international network will continue to grow this year as American adds new service to Veracruz, Mexico (VER), and resumes service from DFW to Kona, Hawaii (KOA).
  • American will also add expanded service to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Grand Cayman (GCM), Turks & Caicos (PLS) and U.S. Virgin Islands (STT) from its hubs this year.

“American is thrilled to grow our international network to give customers more ways to escape the cold next winter,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Together with Qantas, customers can enjoy more ways to explore new destinations across one of the most comprehensive networks connecting the United States and the South Pacific.”

New places to explore are even more rewarding as an AAdvantage® member, with the opportunity to earn miles and Loyalty Points through flying and beyond. Tickets for these new routes will be available for purchase starting Feb. 5 on aa.com and American’s mobile app.

Heading to the land Down Under

American will offer the first-ever service between DFW and BNE starting in October. This new service, launching from American’s largest hub, will enable one-stop connections to BNE from more than 100 destinations across the United States that currently require at least two stops. Brisbane and the state of Queensland are known for sensational coastlines, world-famous zoos, a vibrant cultural scene and 280 days of sun every year.



When American’s seasonal service begins, it will be the longest nonstop flight in the airline’s network. For additional comfort, customers will be able to enhance their premium experience on American’s newly designed Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 51 Flagship Suite® seats and 32 Premium Economy seats.

The joint business between American and Qantas continues to offer customers one of the most comprehensive networks connecting North America and Australia and New Zealand. Next winter, the partnership will offer services from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK) and Vancouver, Canada (YVR), to four major gateways in Australia and New Zealand: Auckland (AKL), Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), and Sydney (SYD). As part of the American–Qantas partnership, customers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations across the U.S., and nearly 70 destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific — more than any other partnership.

From the ice and snow to sun and sand

27 January, 2024

American Airlines set to start nonstop service between New York JFK and Tokyo Haneda Airport.

American expects to launch daily service to Tokyo’s convenient downtown Haneda Airport (HND) from New York (JFK) in the coming months. American will be the only U.S. carrier flying nonstop between JFK and Tokyo. Japan Airlines and American will offer comprehensive nationwide service to Tokyo.
American Airlines welcomes tentative approval from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). American will be the only U.S. carrier operating service between JFK and Tokyo, complementing the existing service operated by its joint business partner Japan Airlines.

“American looks forward to beginning nonstop service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from JFK,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We are grateful to the DOT and thankful to our partner Japan Airlines for supporting our application. Together, we are well-positioned to offer customers a comprehensive network between two of the most robust economies in the world. This new service will add nearly 200,000 additional round-trip seats annually between the U.S. and Japan, offering customers more ways to conduct business in the global marketplace or connect with family and friends.”

More nonstop service to Tokyo

American plans to begin nonstop service to HND in the coming months. The new JFK–HND service will be American’s fourth daily nonstop flight to HND, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).

“American thanks the DOT for tentatively approving our application to operate the only nonstop U.S. carrier service between JFK and Haneda Airport,” said Molly Wilkinson, American’s Vice President of Regulatory and International Government Affairs. “We appreciate the strong bipartisan support from elected officials in New York, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, U.S. Congressman Meeks, U.S. House Democratic Leader Jeffries, U.S. Congressman LaLota, U.S. Congressman D’Esposito, New York City Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, New York State Assembly Speaker Heastie, New York State Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Queens Borough President Richards throughout the application process.”

American’s new service complements existing services between JFK and HND operated by Japan Airlines, providing customers with more options and convenient flight schedules throughout the day.

American Airlines and West Los Angeles College join forces to train future aviation maintenance professionals

Candidates interested in joining American’s team in LAX or around the globe can view open opportunities and apply online at jobs.aa.com
Students in West Los Angeles College’s aviation maintenance technician program have new tools in their toolboxes — more than 450 to be exact. Thanks to a new partnership with American Airlines, students now have direct access to the airline’s Los Angeles-based aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) through ongoing engagement opportunities and guaranteed interviews for top-performing students.

“American is excited to partner with West Los Angeles College to train the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals,” said Evie Garces, American’s Vice President of Line Maintenance. “Well-trained AMTs are in high demand, and West prepares students for successful, lucrative careers. Our team of locally-based AMTs is eager to work side-by-side with students, providing ongoing mentorship and real-world experience. American has proudly served Los Angeles for more than 75 years and this is just one more way we continue to support the community where our customers and team members live and work.”

26 January, 2024

Boeing's MAX production issues ripple across aerospace industry

Boeing's troubles with its 737 MAX jets are upending the aerospace industry's 2024 plans,
changing airlines' fleet and expansion goals as U.S. regulators froze production of the best-selling jets.

The FAA ramped up scrutiny of Boeing after a frightening Jan. 5 incident when a cabin panel tore off of an Alaska Airlines jet mid-flight. The plane landed safely with only minor injuries to people on board - but that experience has forced the industry to grapple with problems with Boeing's manufacturing and quality control processes.


The FAA late Wednesday froze increases in production of the single-aisle 737 MAX due to the issues, which have frustrated executives dependent on Boeing, one of only two major global plane manufacturers.

"Boeing needs to get their act together," said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. "It is hard enough running an airline. We need quality product, and that's what we demand."

The FAA's order means Boeing can continue producing MAX jets at its current monthly rate, but it cannot increase that rate. It offered no estimate of how long the limitation would last and did not specify the number of planes Boeing can produce each month.

The FAA's unprecedented intervention in production schedules could further delay some deliveries of new planes to airlines and hurt suppliers already reeling from an earlier MAX crisis and the pandemic.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told Reuters on Thursday that he supported the FAA decision. "We all want safe airplanes. This is a safe aeroplane," he said in Washington, where he has been meeting with U.S. legislators.

10 January, 2024

The American Airlines AAdvantage program continues to lead the travel rewards industry in 2024

The award-winning AAdvantage® program is the largest and world's first loyalty program that gives members access to unparalleled experiences, with more ways to earn and use miles, and more rewards and status benefits.

“There has never been a better time to be a member in the award-winning AAdvantage program. American has built a travel rewards program that’s simple and rewarding for everyone,” said Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Loyalty and Revenue Management. “We have one goal in mind: offer the best loyalty rewards program, unmatched. This means delivering true value for our members through rewards and the best experiences based on their engagement in the program.”

Throughout the new program year beginning March 1, 2024, American Airlines will continue to enhance the program so that loyalty with American goes even further for AAdvantage® members. Visit aa.com/programchanges to learn more about these updates and when they begin.

Earning made easy: AAdvantage® members have so many ways to earn miles and Loyalty Points

An AAdvantage® membership is your best travel companion. With recent additions to the AAdvantage® program like AAdvantage HotelsTM and AAdvantage EventsTM, members have more opportunities to earn rewards faster. And coming soon, members can earn miles when they pay with cash to upgrade to a premium cabin.

American is also adding a new Loyalty Point Reward choice: Get additional Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage® status, starting at the 15,000 Loyalty Point Reward level.

Loyalty Points needed to reach AAdvantage status and Loyalty Point Reward levels will stay the same for the upcoming qualification year. The status qualification year for 2024 begins on March 1, 2024, and runs through February 28, 2025. The breakdown of status and reward levels are on aa.com.

04 January, 2024

American Airlines reports strong performance over peak holiday season.

The U.S. mega-carrier, American Airlines has delivered another strong operational performance for its customers during the winter holiday travel period, canceling the fewest flights among the major carriers while operating significantly more on-time flights than last year’s holiday period. American was able to achieve this strong performance despite the weather in many parts of the country and a significant volume of non-scheduled, non-air carrier operations that resulted in increased air traffic control delays.

“When customers purchase tickets on American, they place their trust in us to deliver a safe and reliable operation, and I’m proud to say that thanks to the hard work of our team members, we delivered on that commitment — despite holiday headwinds, including some challenging weather and increased air traffic control congestion,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate our federal partners — the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — for their critical roles in making this holiday travel period a success.”

American’s winter holiday operational highlights

American has welcomed nearly 7.8 million customers across more than 71,000 flights since between 20 December and 8 January.
To date, American has led its major competitors in completion factor, canceling the fewest number of flights. American didn’t cancel a single mainline flight for the first six days of this travel period (with nine total days without a mainline cancellation) and just 16 mainline flights have been canceled this holiday period.
American’s on-time departure and arrival performance both improved by around 15% compared to 2022’s holiday period.
American’s continued investments and focus on baggage handling across our network are paying off, with the key metric that measures mishandled baggage improving 66% compared to last year’s holiday period.

14 December, 2023

American Airlines awarded $22 million from State of Oklahoma for Tulsa maintenance base enhancements


                          American Airlines was awarded $22 million this week from the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program. The funds, to be received over the course of three years, will be used to further grow and improve the airline’s maintenance base and engine repair and overhaul facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Tech Ops – Tulsa). With this investment, the airline has announced more than $400 million in enhancements at the maintenance base over the last three years.

“We graciously thank Governor Stitt, Lieutenant Governor Pinnell and the State of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognizing the important work our team does and appreciate their investment in the future of our Tulsa maintenance base,” said Greg Emerson, American’s Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities. “American has a long, rich history in Oklahoma and this investment in our Tech Ops – Tulsa facility and team members ensures a bright future for years to come. We’re also eager to add more than 300 new team members to our team in high-paying jobs as a result of this investment, further bolstering our presence in the Tulsa community.”

The funds are in addition to American’s recent $31.6 million capital investment in the engine shop to modernize machinery and an ongoing multi-million dollar improvement project at Tech Ops – Tulsa.

"For Oklahoma's business sector to succeed, we must support the existing companies that are right here in Oklahoma," said Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma Lt. Governor and Secretary of Workforce and Economic Development. “Because of resources like the Business Expansion Incentive Program and the P3 Pooled Finance Program, Oklahoma companies will strengthen and grow, boosting local economies and moving our state forward."

Tech Ops – Tulsa has served as the principal location for airframe and engine maintenance and overhauls for American’s aircraft since 1946 and is the largest commercial aviation maintenance base in the world. Located on 246 acres of land at the Tulsa International Airport, Tech Ops – Tulsa includes approximately 3.3 million square feet of building space, six hangars with 24 aircraft bays and 22 support facility buildings. Nearly 5,000 team members are currently employed at the base and more than 800 of the airline’s aircraft visit the facility annually.

Philippine Airlines and American Airlines launch new codeshare partnership

Travellers gain seamless connections between the Philippines and the United States




Philippine Airlines and American Airlines have launched a codeshare partnership that introduces the first marketed flights by a Philippine carrier to several U.S. destinations and allows American’s customers to travel to the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, and the beautiful beaches of Cebu.

American’s customers are now able to book tickets on aa.com for codeshare flights operated by Philippine Airlines to Manila and Cebu via Tokyo. Additionally, customers will be able to fly to Manila from Honolulu and Guam.

“We are excited to partner with Philippine Airlines, which will provide our customers seamless connections to Manila, the capital and economic hub of the region, and Cebu, the gateway to countless tropical islands with pristine beaches,” said Anmol Bhargava, American’s Vice President of Global Alliances and Partnerships. “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our partnership with Philippine Airlines.”

Philippine Airlines has placed its “PR” code on American’s flights between Los Angeles and seven U.S. cities: Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C., enabling excellent connectivity with PAL’s trans-Pacific service.

04 December, 2023

American plans expansion of high-speed Wi-Fi to nearly 500 regional aircraft


American is making high-speed connectivity available on more aircraft than any other domestic US airline. Over the next two years, the airline intends to help even more customers have a consistent and connected inflight experience through the forthcoming introduction of high-speed Wi-Fi on the dual-class regional aircraft operated on its behalf. American is working to extend its relationship with Intelsat with the plan to install new high-speed Wi-Fi capability on nearly 500 regional aircraft beginning next year.

  • American currently makes high-speed connectivity available on 900 aircraft across its fleet – the most in the industry.
  • Beginning in 2024, the carrier intends to continue that lead by bringing the availability of high-speed internet connectivity to nearly 500 dual-class regional aircraft.
  • Earlier this year, American became the first airline to offer streaming capability on 100% of its mainline fleet, for customers to watch video content from their favorite streaming platform, and this expanded relationship with Intelsat will take streaming capabilities to new heights.


American currently makes high-speed Wi-Fi available on more than 900 mainline aircraft, with the objective to bring the total number of satellite-connected aircraft to more than 1,400 once the planned updates to regional aircraft are complete.

Inflight connectivity technology continues to evolve rapidly across the airline industry. Intelsat’s Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antennae is unique because it is multi-orbit, interoperating on both Intelsat’s family of geo-stationary satellites and on a constellation of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, providing low latency high-speed internet connection to American’s customers.

This new technology will allow these regional aircraft to match fast Wi-Fi speeds that are currently available on American’s mainline aircraft. With the planned purchase of this new technology, American is reinforcing its commitment to provide a consistent and connected experience for customers on all of American’s connectivity-equipped flights with the ability to stream, browse, check email and even log onto VPN while inflight.

30 November, 2023

eFuels leader Infinium receives $75 million equity commitment from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for investment in Project Roadrunner

The investment will enable the availability of SAF under an innovative fuel offtake agreement with American Airlines, with financial support from Citi


Infinium and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst announced this week, a $75 million project equity investment commitment to support Infinium’s Project Roadrunner, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. Project Roadrunner will convert waste carbon dioxide (CO2) and renewable power into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon fuels. This first-of-a-kind commercial-scale Power-to-Liquids (PtL) eFuels facility is expected to be the largest PtL eFuels project in North America once operational. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst funds and invests in first-of-a-kind projects that support the deployment of emerging climate technologies to reduce emissions and accelerate the clean energy transition. This commitment represents Catalyst’s first equity investment to date.

Project Roadrunner, located in West Texas, will convert an existing brownfield gas-to-liquids project into a fully integrated eFuels facility that will deliver products into both U.S. and international markets. It will primarily produce Infinium eSAF, a sustainable aviation fuel with the potential to significantly reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with air travel. PtL SAF is expected to reduce lifecycle GHG emissions in aviation by around 90 percent, which is higher than the emissions reductions achieved using SAF on the market today. Project Roadrunner will also produce Infinium eNaphtha for use in plastics manufacturing and Infinium eDiesel for use in hard-to-electrify transportation methods, such as long-haul trucking and maritime applications.

Search