American Airlines promises new experience for Aussies
Australian travellers should expect to be pleasantly surprised by the American Airlines experience that will be rolled out in the local market from December 19 as part of its strategic partnership with Qantas, according to chief executive Doug Parker.
Speaking upon the arrival of AA’s new Boeing 777-300ER at Qantas’ aircraft hangar at Sydney Airport this morning, Parker promised that the airline is “much better today than it has been in the past”.
“This aircraft is a great symbol of that,” he told media. “We’re bringing on a new aircraft about every four days. It’s a refleeting that’s never been seen before in modern aviation.
Parker was confident that the product was up to the standards in place on Qantas and other airlines, with improved service, food and onboard wifi all part of the offering.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce also commended AA on its “dramatic turnaround”.
“People’s memories of American 20 years ago are nothing like American today,” he said.
He described it as an “interesting time” for both carriers, with both Qantas and AA having undergone drastic transformations in a bid to remain competitive.
Meanwhile, both men highlighted the benefits of the enhanced partnership for consumers, offering them greater choice both in terms of networks and onboard product.
Joyce pointed to recent growth of 9% in US visitors to Australia. “The potential for growing that even further is massive,” he said, referring to the recent strengthening of the US dollar.
The significant expansion of Qantas’ existing codeshare arrangements with AAA, Westjet and Alaska Airlines will see the arrangements extend to an additional 40 routes across the US, Canada and Mexico.
In total, Qantas will now offer codeshares on over 200 routes, covering more than 100 destinations across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aa airlines alan joyce aviation Doug Parker qantasLatest News
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