US major American Airlines has revealed it will initially debut its Boeing 787 Dreamliners on its domestic hub network within the country from the start of May, before deploying the modern generation airliners on long-haul flights to Asia and South America from the subsequent month.
American has confirmed the type will initially will be deployed between its hubs at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport from May 7, 2015. The aircraft will substitute for other equipment on the domestic sector which is served more than 100 times a week, mainly using McDonnell Douglas MD-80 equipment
After this initial domestic deployment to aid crew familiarisation, the 787 will be introduced into scheduled long-haul operations from the start of June, replacing a 777 on American’s new transpacific route between Dallas and Beijing from June 2, 2015 and then replacing a 777 on the carrier’s daily flight from Dallas to Buenos Aires from June 4, 2015. Reservations for these flights are due open on February 14, 2015.
"We look forward to welcoming our international customers onboard the 787 with its modern amenities and comforts beginning this summer," said Andrew Nocella, chief marketing officer, American Airlines. "Adding the 787 Dreamliner to our network gives us the opportunity to increase our efficiency on long-haul flights across the globe and potentially open up new markets in our network. It's a big win for customers and just the latest example of how American is going for great."
American took delivery of its first 787-8 on January 29, 2015 at Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington, and it arrived at its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub the following day. The US major has placed firm orders for 42 Boeing 787 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58. It has committed to acquire both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants as part of the 42 firm orders.
The airline will reveal more routes to be served by the 787 during 2015 as it takes delivery of new aircraft over the coming months. In 2015, American plans to take delivery of an average of two new aircraft per week. The renewal is part of more than $2 billion in planned improvements.
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