American Airlines has just announced increased international service. This clearly comes as a response to Delta’s investment in LATAM, and also Delta’s increased transatlantic presence in Boston.
I was curious to see if American was going to respond competitively or just let Delta dominate them (as they’ve been doing for far too long), so I’m happy to see that they’re choosing to compete.
American Expanding In South America
Last week Delta announced they’d purchase a 20% stake in LATAM and would form a joint venture with them, which came as a surprise to many. Previously LATAM not only partnered with American, but the two airlines had been pursuing a joint venture.
While American is the largest US airline in South America, they’ll no longer be the leader when you look at the combined power of Delta and LATAM.
So it looks like American is going to put up a fight. American Airlines has announced the following increased service to Latin America out of Miami:
- American will increase service from Miami to Lima as of April 7, 2020; the airline currently flies 2x daily, and will fly 3x daily with 757s when they add this new service
- American will increase service from Miami to Santiago as of winter 2020; the airline will offer a total of 2x daily flights, with the new flight being operated by a 777-200
- American will increase service from Miami to Sao Paulo as of winter 2020; the airline will offer a total of 3x daily flights, with the new flight being operated by a 777-200
American will offer 3x daily 757 service between Miami and Lima
Vasu Raja, American’s VP of Network and Schedule Planning, had the following to say:
“American’s leading position in Miami is something we’re incredibly proud of and committed to maintaining. We have so many possibilities from our Latin American gateway and are excited for the opportunity to use our domestic strength to enhance our international network. We’ll continue to grow, compete and thrive in a region of the world where we have a long history and a bright future.”
American Adding Boston To London Flight
Back in the day Boston used to be a hub for American, but over time they’ve more or less given up the market, and at this point both Delta and JetBlue have turned the airport into a hub.
Well, I guess American isn’t quite ready to completely throw in the towel, and now the airline is bringing back their Boston to London route.
As of March 29, 2020, American will launch daily flights between Boston and London using a Boeing 777-200.
American will offer a daily 777-200 flight between Boston and London
As Vasu Raja describes the new service:
“Our new nonstop flight, combined with the service provided by our Atlantic Joint Business, gives customers the most robust schedule and the most premium seats between Boston and London. Boston customers have been asking for more service and we’re delivering with this new flight, and our recently announced seasonal service to Nassau and Grand Cayman.”
American Increasing Summer Seasonal Service
American has also announced that they will be increasing the length for which some of their summer seasonal service will operate in 2020:
- The New York to Rome flight will operate from March 29 through October 23, 2020, compared to May 3 through October 27, 2019
- The Dallas to Dublin flight will operate from May 7 through October 23, 2020, compared to June 6 through October 27, 2019
- The Chicago to Barcelona flight will operate from April 6 through October 23, 2020, compared to May 3 through October 27, 2019
American says that they will announce more seasonal extensions in the coming weeks.
American’s Dallas to Dublin flight will operate longer next year
Bottom Line
It’s nice to see that American plans on competing with Delta and LATAM, and defending their position in Miami. As I wrote about yesterday, it’s going to be very interesting to see what the future of Miami looks like:
- Miami is the biggest market to & from South America, so I suspect LATAM will maintain (or even increase) their service there
- I imagine Delta will increase their presence somewhat in Miami, in order to provide some connectivity to LATAM’s flights
- I was curious to see whether American would just maintain the status quo, or would try to increase service
As far as Boston to London goes, that seems fair enough, though not too exciting. American and British Airways have a transatlantic joint venture, and British Airways has a huge presence in the market. So giving customers the option of flying with American or British Airways is great.
However, I doubt this will do much to change loyalty or corporate contracts in the market.
What do you make of American’s new international service?
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