Skift Take
It's doubtful that US Airways has been collaborating with American Airlines on the latter's suspected new livery, but then again everything takes time.
American Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) aircraft, with three classes of service, lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, and international Wi-Fi.
And, the mystery continues about American’s probable new branding as the airline says it took possession of its first 777-300ER and it lacked “the traditional American livery.”
“This is an important step in demonstrating how American is focused on putting our customers at the center of everything we do,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s chief commercial officer. “This aircraft will deliver a new level of comfort, connectivity, and convenience for our customers. We are especially pleased to be among the first in the industry to offer a combination of fully lie-flat seats with all-aisle access, international Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment.”
The lie-flat seats could be popular, but the international Wi-Fi will be an attractive bonus for business travelers.
U.S. carriers, including Delta, United, and American, are getting ready to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi, and an American Airlines spokesperson confirms that international Wi-Fi will be available on American’s maiden Boeing 777-300ER flight on January 31.
That represents an acclerated timetable because American previously had been talking about introducing international Wi-Fi in 2014.
The airline hasn’t released any details yet on who the Wi-Fi provider would be and what the costs to passengers would be.
American’s 300-777ER, with the aircraft giving the carrier enhanced network flexibility, is slated to take its first commercial flight January 31, 2013, on the Dallas/Fort Worth-Sao Paulo route, and after that it will fly regularly from London Heathrow to Dallas/Fort Worth and New York JFK, American says.
In addition to the over-the-ocean Wi-Fi, every seat on the aircraft will be equipped with 110-volt AC power outlets and USB jacks, as well as entertainment options throughout the aircraft including up to 120 movies, more than 150 TV programs, and more than 350 tunes, the airline says.
Mood lighting and bold archways give the Premium Class cabin in American’s new Boeing 777-300ER a roomy, exotic feel. Photo by American Airlines
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Tags: american airlines, wi-fi
Photo credit: Lie-flat seats in Business Class on the American's new Boeing 777-300ER all have aisle access. American Airlines