American Airlines Downsizes 2021 International Schedule
Carrier drops long-haul capacity for next summer by 25 percent while focusing on connections and partnerships
In response to an anticipated reduction in demand brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, American Airlines has announced plans to cut its summer 2021 long-haul international capacity by 25 percent compared with its 2019 schedule.
American will exit several routes, including three transatlantic routes from both Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, according to Vasu Raja, chief revenue officer. The company will also exit five underperforming routes from Los Angeles International Airport to destinations in Asia and South America, concentrating on the hub’s domestic strength.
The moves reflect strategic plans American initially announced when the COVID-19 outbreak first struck. The airline says its international network be significantly smaller in the year ahead, but will use the strength of its strategic hubs and focus on leveraging partnerships as the foundation of future international growth.
As American resets its international network for future growth, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport will be the airline’s major transpacific hub, while Miami International Airport will continue to be the preeminent hub for flights to the Caribbean and Latin America.
Once government restrictions on transatlantic flying subside, Philadelphia will continue to be American’s primary hub for service to Europe. American also said it will leverage its West Coast International Alliance with Alaska Airlines to enhance service to Europe and Asia.
