A $2 billion upgrade of services in the air and on the ground is planned by American Airlines, a year on from its merger with US Airways.
The revamp from next year will include the introduction of fully lie-flat seats in first and business class on almost all widebody aircraft, satellite-based internet access on international services, more in-flight entertainment options, improved Admirals Club lounges worldwide, and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food and cocktails.
Passengers’ Wi-Fi access will soon extend around the globe with access being added on all Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s, as well as all of its retrofitted 767-300s and 757s, and all 787 Dreamliners.
In premium cabins, American is upgrading to the latest Bose headset, the QC®25, on all flights to South America, Europe and Asia, as well as transcontinental flights in the US.
American Airlines is taking delivery of nearly 100 aircraft in 2014, claiming to give it the youngest fleet of any US-based network carrier, with an average aircraft age of 12.3 years.
The airline will take delivery of a further 112 aircraft next year and 84 in 2016 with orders including the Airbus A320 family, A350-900s, Boeing 737 MAX, 777-300ERs and 787s.
Boeing 757s used on transatlantic and Latin America flights will get fully lie-flat seats in business class. Economy passengers will see a refreshed cabin, power ports and in-flight connectivity.
Chairman and chief executive Doug Parker said: “Now that we have the network to compete globally, we’re going to deliver a product that’s better than our competitors.
“Refreshed cabins and clubs, modernised ticket counters, improved technology and new aircraft are further examples of how American is ‘going for great’ – providing our outstanding team members the tools they need to deliver a great experience for our customers.”