American Airlines, one among the three major ailines in USA, is planning direct flight service to India and Africa now. Though some low-cost, international air carriers are getting the job done, still American Airlines is a trusted name in this regard. Currently the airlines has a strong network to Europe and South America and is to extent its service to new international markets.
In 2020, with the arrival of 47 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the company is looking for trying its hand in some more international markets. With a proper game plan, Vasu Raja, the airline’s vice president said, “American Airlines is going to take us eventually to India and into Africa, and into markets which are very distinct from the ones that we have been in historically, but ones we believe will be very profitable.”
The three major U.S.-based, legacy airlines – Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines represent a high level of quality, safety, and service, through which they have made their names globally. But when compared with other two competitors, American Airlines relatively lacks a global footprint. So this move is a long time coming for the airline which has been more conservative than its competitors in building international reach.
However, the airlines offered a direct flight between Chicago and Delhi, amid 2005 and 2012, but the service didn’t continue, viewing the route unprofitable due to plane size and flight times. On the other hand, entering into the African aviation market, which is serviced by Delta, would be a completely new venture for American Airlines.
Though the vice president of the airline confirmed about its new services for India and Africa, yet there was no mention of what U.S. hubs these flights would depart from. The company is expected to come up with a clearer picture in the coming year.
