Tag: DFW (Page 1 of 2)

American Airlines Announces New Investments at DFW Airport

December 7, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Investments as airline expands global network from DFW, improves customer experience

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines has announced plans to build a new, larger catering kitchen at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The new facility is part of American’s long-term growth strategy at its largest hub, and will allow the airline to better serve customers as it grows.

The investment reaffirms American’s commitment to grow and improve customer experience at DFW. In addition to the new kitchen, construction is also slated to begin ona a state-of-the-art aircraft parts distribution facility, which will help reduce maintenance delays by providing parts from DFW to American’s global network.

This year alone, American has expanded at DFW by adding 15 more gates and increasing the amount of flying to 900 daily departures. Additionally, the airline introduced a Flagship Lounge to serve premium customers travelling to international destinations. The growth is part of a larger strategy that will continue as American continues to invest in the operational efficiency and customer experience initiatives at DFW.

“DFW remains a great source of opportunity and growth for American,” said Cedric Rockamore, American’s Vice President of DFW of Hub Operations. “These investments will ensure we can continue to welcome the world to and through DFW for a very long time.”

Catering kitchen

American will build a new catering kitchen to support DFW’s current and future catering demands. The new facility will replace the existing catering kitchen, which was built in 1982 and is too small to support the airport’s growing operation. Construction on the new kitchen will begin in January 2020.

“In addition to more space, the new kitchen will provide updated equipment and efficiencies to improve our catering operation, which improves our reliability and provides a better experience for our customers,” Rockamore said.

The $100 million construction project will take about 18 months to complete and supports the first phase of development for DFW’s new Terminal F. This phase includes four new gates and customer areas located on the southeast corner of Terminal D and is scheduled to open in 2022.

The kitchen will continue to be staffed and operated by LSG Sky Chefs, the airport’s largest catering vendor.

Central Fulfillment Center and cargo mail facility

American plans to break ground in January 2020 on a new Central Fulfillment Center that will house aircraft parts for line maintenance support across our network. The 390,000-square-foot facility will enable the airline to fulfill request for parts up to 75% faster, minimizing potential maintenance delays. Locating this facility at DFW enhances our ability to distribute parts for overnight maintenance throughout the network.

This project will also include a facility for cargo mail, a key revenue stream and narrowbody product for American Airlines Cargo. The expanded space will allow the Cargo team to optimize fleet, network and market demands for transporting mail.

Terminal expansion

To support the demand for additional growth, DFW continues to develop new and optimize existing terminal spaces. These efforts include two new gates and customer areas at Terminal E, which American will utilize to support summer 2020 flying, and the continued development of Terminal F.

With the first phase of development for Terminal F underway, details of the additional phases will be developed as American and DFW continue to study infrastructure demands and customer needs.

American Airlines Announces 20 New Routes for Summer 2020

November 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines customers will have a lot to be thankful for as the airline plans to launch an additional eight new domestic routes this summer, offering customers a total of 20 new seasonal routes in summer 2020. The new routes include service to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) and Nantucket (ACK) in Massachusetts and new service from Jackson, Mississippi (JAN) and Des Moines, Iowa (DSM), to Miami (MIA), the airline’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Every year, we evaluate our network and look to create more routes and serve unique destinations whether we’re entering new markets like Casablanca or adding more service to places like Traverse City, Michigan,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy. “We continue to deliver the best network with the most options for our customers domestically and internationally during the most popular vacation time of the year.”

Domestic additions

Beginning in June, American will add two new ways to get to the lighthouses and sandy beaches of Martha’s Vineyard from two connecting hubs on the East Coast — Philadelphia (PHL) and Charlotte (CLT). The airline will also introduce a new route to the cobblestone streets of Nantucket with Saturday service from PHL. All three flights will be operated on an Embraer 175, featuring 12 First Class seats and 64 Main Cabin seats. Next summer, Traverse City (TVC) will see direct service from PHL and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), giving customers access to the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay every Saturday. The airline will also introduce new Saturday service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Portland, Maine (PWM) operated on an Airbus A319 aircraft.

MIA is American’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and, next summer, customers flying from JAN and DSM will have nonstop service to MIA on Saturday and Sunday from June through August. Flight times will complement one-stop connections to vacation favorites like Bonaire, St. Vincent, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

American previously announced seasonal service to National Parks in Kalispell (FCA) and Bozeman (BZN), Montana, and increased service to Alaska, including a new destination, Fairbanks (FAI), which will begin operating in May.

A summer overseas

In August, American announced an international expansion that includes entering Africa for the first time with service to Casablanca, Morocco (CMN), from PHL and seasonal service from Chicago (ORD) to Krakow, Poland (KRK); Prague, Czech Republic (PRG); and Budapest, Hungary (BUD). American will be the only US carrier providing service to KRK, BUD and PRG from ORD.

“Our future is bright, and we see summer 2020 as an opportunity for growth in the leisure destinations our customers truly value,” Raja continued. “We have 20 new seasonal routes to choose from — narrowing down where to go will be the hardest part.”

New flights will be available for purchase Nov. 25.

American Airlines Becomes the Only Carrier to Fly from the U.S. to the South Island of New Zealand

October 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — A trip to the breathtaking landscape of the majestic Southern Alps will become much shorter when American Airlines launches the only nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC), next October. The airline is also adding the only direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL), which will increase connecting opportunities for more customers across the United States. These routes are a direct result of the recently approved joint business with Qantas, which delivers new customer benefits like enhanced codeshare opportunities and increased frequent flyer benefits for American and Qantas customers.

The gateway to the South Island

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and as the only carrier to operate this route, American will introduce its customers to one of the world’s most unique destinations.

“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture and wildlife found no where else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality and bring New Zealand’s beauty even closer as the gateway to the South Island where you can drive, hike, cruise and fly to a variety of classic New Zealand experiences.”

American will fly to CHC three times per week from October 2020 through March 2021 on a Boeing 787-8. The 787-8 features 20 Flagship Business seats and 28 Premium Economy seats, providing additional comfort for the 13-hour flight. The aircraft offers a variety of entertainment options for customers, with access to power at every seat, live television, and hundreds of movies, music, games and TV shows.

LAX to CHC creates unique one-stop connections to the South Island not previously available by any other carrier. Qantas and Jetstar will connect passengers from CHC on to Wellington and Melbourne — some of the most popular destinations in the Pacific.

A new way to New Zealand

American currently operates seasonal service from LAX to AKL and will add new service from DFW next year. Flights will be operated with American’s state-of-the-art 787-9, with 30 Flagship Business seats and 21 Premium Economy seats. New flights from DFW to AKL will enable new one-stop connections to New Zealand from more than 70 cities across the United States.

“Now, we’re able to get customers from places like Louisville, Savannah or Monterrey, Mexico, all the way to New Zealand with just one stop,” said Raja.

As American enhances its commitment to the region, seasonal LAX to AKL service will resume earlier next year — Oct. 7 — adding three weeks of service to the increasingly popular destination.

“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas-Fort Worth to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”

Benefits of the Qantas Joint Business

American and Qantas recently received final approval to form a joint business, which promises significant customer benefits not possible through any other form of cooperation. The carriers have already rolled out improved frequent flyer benefits, including higher earning rates for points and status credits on each airline’s network, and have expanded codeshare routes on each other’s network. Qantas will also increase from six weekly flights between Sydney, Australia (SYD), and DFW to daily service by mid-2020. Additionally, Qantas announced new service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE), which will launch in February and April respectively. Qantas will have its code on American’s new flights to New Zealand, giving Qantas frequent flyers more opportunities to earn and redeem Qantas points and status credits on American. Next year, American and Qantas will provide the most service to Australia and New Zealand from the United States.

LAX–AKL flights beginning in Oct. 2020 will be available for purchase starting Nov. 9. New LAX–CHC and DFW–AKL flights will be available for purchase starting Nov. 30.

What does this mean at LAX?

American and its partners serve more destinations to Asia/Pacific from LAX.
Customers traveling through LAX can take advantage of the most premium amenities of any carrier with three Admirals Club lounges, Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining.
The new route launches a few months after the American Airlines Plaza opens at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The 298-acre world-class sports and entertainment destination is just three miles from the airport.

What does this mean at DFW?

In addition to new routes, American continues to invest in airport construction and development to deliver a world-class customer experience.
Customers can get cozy in five Admirals Club lounges and recently opened Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining.
American’s growing network connects customers across the globe to more than 225 destinations in 31 countries from DFW.

American Adds 3 New Routes to Caribbean and Latin America

June 27, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Airline also extends and increases service to region beginning this winter

FORT WORTH, Texas — The growth of American Airlines in the Caribbean and Latin American continues with the announcement of three new routes from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) beginning in November. On Nov. 21, American will launch daily service from JFK to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Saturday-only service to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), follows starting Dec. 21. All flights will be operated on a Boeing 737-800 with convenient schedules for a full week-long vacation or a quick weekend escape. The new routes are complemented by the extension of seasonal service between JFK and Antigua (ANU).

A trip across town to New York LaGuardia (LGA) offers even more opportunities to catch some sun. American will extend recently launched summer service to Aruba (AUA) to operate year-round beginning in December.

Also, on Dec. 18, American will add a second daily flight from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), and the airline is extending seasonal service between DFW and San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL), to operate year-round.

All new service will be available for sale July 1.

New Routes from JFK

Origin	Destination	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Start Date
JFK MBJ	MBJ JFK	1x daily	7 a.m. 12 p.m.	11 a.m. 4:09 p.m.	Nov. 21
JFK SJO	SJO JFK	1x daily	3:59 p.m. 11:03 p.m.	9:42 p.m. 5:19 a.m.	Nov. 21
JFK LIR	LIR JFK	Saturday	7:00 a.m. 11:04 a.m.	10:55 a.m. 4:59 p.m.	Dec. 21

Extension/Increase

Origin	Destination	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Start Date
JFK ANU	ANU JFK	Daily	7:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m.	12:44 p.m. 5:26 p.m.	Nov. 21
LGA AUA	AUA LGA	Seasonal → Year-round Saturday	8:20 a.m. 3:10 p.m.	2:10 p.m. 7 p.m.	Dec. 21
DFW SJU	SJU DFW	1x → 2x	10:50 p.m. 2:30 a.m.	5:22 a.m. 5:58 a.m.	Dec. 18
DFW SAL	SAL DFW	Seasonal → Year-round Sun., Mon., Thur., Fri.	8:25 p.m. 1:53 a.m.	12:02 a.m. 5:30 a.m.	Jan. 7

New international routes are subject to government approval.

About American Airlines Group
American Airlines offers customers 6,800 daily flights to more than 365 destinations in 61 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. With a shared purpose of caring for people on life’s journey, American’s 130,000 global team members serve more than 200 million customers annually. Since 2013, American has invested more than $25 billion in its product and people and now flies the youngest fleet among U.S. carriers, equipped with industry-leading high-speed Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, more in-flight entertainment and power. American also offers award-winning food and beverage options in the air and on the ground in its world-class Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. American was recently named a Five Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. American is a founding member of oneworld®, whose members serve 1,100 destinations in 180 countries and territories. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.c om and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

American Airlines Brings D-Day Veterans to France

June 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

World’s largest airline honors Greatest Generation 75 years after beach landings

FORT WORTH, Texas — Eight veterans of the D-Day invasion, which marked a major turning point in World War II, arrived in France on Monday and Tuesday aboard American Airlines flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA).

The airline hosted many of them and their guests at a luncheon Sunday at the CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The event included a Color Guard flag presentation and a national anthem performance. After lunch, these esteemed members of the Greatest Generation traveled to Paris (CDG), where they were greeted with cheers, waving flags and a water cannon salute.

“These veterans fought so bravely to give us the freedom to fly that we have today,” said Philippe Serafino, General Manager at CDG for American Airlines. “Our team members in Paris are always looking for ways — big and small — to express their infinite gratitude to the individuals who fought to liberate France and serve the Allied cause during the war.”

In Paris, the group, which includes two veterans who haven’t been back to Normandy since the days following June 6, 1944, will join their fellow soldiers, sailors and airmen to observe reenactments of the invasion and participate in ceremonies commemorating their bravery and service to the nation and the world.

“I feel this will be closure for me because I had turned down going a long time ago,” said Jack Gutman, a U.S. Navy corpsman first class on D-Day. “Having my son with me to experience what I went through and for him to see it in a different light and understand what I went through is so important to me.”

“I’m overwhelmed and speechless,” added Carl Felton, a U.S. Navy petty officer first class on D-Day. “I couldn’t be more excited and more humbled with all of the praise that has been heaped upon us.”

The flights and luncheon are part of a larger initiative American is supporting alongside Let Freedom Ring, a nonprofit organization founded by D-Day veteran George Ciampa, who is on the trip. Four American team members are also volunteering their personal time to accompany the D-Day veterans in support of that organization.

“After serving 27 years and multiple deployments, I have a small sense of sacrifice these World War II veterans gave to this country,” said ORD-based First Officer John Gorse, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force who is on the trip. “Their service truly saved the world from the darkest of days. I’m sure the feeling they felt on that day 75 years ago will come rushing back and there is no way to describe that terror. They survived so we could survive as a nation.”

DFW Airport and American Airlines Announce Sixth Terminal

May 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

American Airlines planes stand at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Grapevine, Texas, on April 6, 2018. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Patrick T. Fallon.

Terminal F projected to open as soon as 2025, Terminal C to be upgraded

DFW AIRPORT, Texas — Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport and American Airlines have announced plans to develop a sixth terminal, providing a long-term commitment from the airline and opportunities for businesses and customers in the fastest growing region in the United States.

The plans call for DFW to invest up to $3 to $3.5 billion in terminal improvements, including the construction of Terminal F and enhancements to Terminal C. The identified site south of Terminal D provides significant flexibility for phasing in the number of gates for Terminal F, with a long-term projection of up to 24 gates, as demand for additional facilities is warranted.

Design work for Terminal F will begin immediately. DFW and American will explore several different options for the layout of the Terminal F site. DFW and American expect the details to be finalized as part of a new airlines lease agreement for DFW that is being negotiated. DFW and American anticipate the investment to be financed by bonds and repaid through airlines rates and charges over the life of the bonds.

“Today’s announcement sets the stage for DFW Airport’s next 50 years,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport. “The new Terminal F and the expansion that could follow will provide the region with the growth it needs to compete with international business centers. The Airport is growing faster than ever, and it needs to keep pace with the Dallas-Fort Worth economy to provide jobs and connections for businesses and families. We’re grateful to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Board Chairman Bill Meadows for their leadership. I want to especially recognize American for its commitment to DFW Airport. We look forward to working together to deliver what will be an efficient, modern terminal with a state-of-the-art customer experience.”
“This is an exciting day for American and our more than 31,000 team members who call Dallas-Fort Worth home. American enjoys a wonderful relationship with the City of Fort Worth, the City of Dallas and DFW Airport, and we thank Mayor Price, Mayor Rawlings, and Sean and the entire DFW team for being such great partners. DFW is American’s largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network. The plans we’re announcing today will allow for the continued growth of DFW and ensure the airport remains a premier gateway for American for many more years to come.”
— Doug Parker, American Airlines Chairman and CEO

“We look forward to accommodating the continued growth of our city and the region through infrastructure improvements and expansion at DFW Airport,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “We’re glad to see DFW’s anchor carrier, American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, collaborate with the Airport to take this area to new heights. This new terminal will further fuel economic development and job growth in our region.”

“This is one of the most significant announcements in my eight years as mayor,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “The fact that American Airlines believes in the DFW International Airport Board and management enough to make this tremendous investment in the future of the Airport is something we should all celebrate. This will further solidify DFW’s standing as one of the best international airports in the world.”

The design of Terminal F is expected to accommodate a changing aviation industry as DFW utilizes innovative technologies to facilitate the movement of customers, maintain cost efficiencies for airlines and improve operational performance.

Terminal C is one of the Airport’s original terminals and opened in 1974. DFW and American plan to significantly improve the customer experience at Terminal C, bringing it in line with Terminals A, B and E, on which renovations were completed in 2018. Those renovations included redesigned check-in areas, larger security checkpoints, expanded concessions spaces, and improved lighting and flooring.

DFW Airport welcomed a record 69 million customers in 2018, and the Airport anticipates more passengers and air service to be added in the next two years than in the past two decades. In 2018, DFW announced 28 new destinations, giving it a larger domestic footprint than any other U.S. airport. Customers also have access to more than 60 international destinations from DFW, with double the number of European destinations and frequencies since 2015.

Over the past several years, American has expanded with additional DFW service, and by June 2019, the airline will operate more than 900 daily flights from the Airport. In total, customers have access to more than 230 nonstop destinations on American from DFW.

A 2015 economic impact study indicates DFW Airport contributes more than $37 billion to the Dallas-Fort Worth economy, with nearly 60,000 jobs at the Airport and more than 228,000 jobs created across the region. In 2018, DFW Airport awarded more than $150 million in contracts to small, women- and minority-owned businesses, and concessions agreements generated more than $155 million in revenues for disadvantaged businesses.

Media assets available at: https://dfw.to/SoTA

Is American Airlines Recession Proof?

October 22, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

In recent years, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) CEO Doug Parker has been one of the most vocal advocates of the idea that industry consolidation has permanently transformed the U.S. airline business. Whereas airlines have historically lost huge sums of money during periodic industry busts, Parker has boasted that American Airlines will never lose money again.

Yet on the surface, management’s optimistic outlook seems to clash with a trajectory of declining profits at American Airlines. If the company is struggling to maintain its profitability in a robust economy, one could reasonably wonder how it would do in an economic downturn. Indeed, American Airlines stock is down 38% year to date, so investors clearly are skeptical.

Click the link below for the full story!

Is American Airlines Recession Proof?

Southwest Balks At American Airlines New Idea For Cuba Routes

October 16, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest ripped American’s proposed rule change that would alter how U.S. airlines handle their routes to Cuba, calling the idea “unprecedented” in an Oct. 10 regulatory filing.

The U.S. opened up the Cuban market a few years ago and allowed airlines to apply for routes. Only 20 daily routes to Havana were allocated to U.S. airlines.

Both American Airlines Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) and Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) were granted routes. When an airline is awarded a route, it’s tied to that specific city. So, an airline can’t shift its route allocations to different U.S. cities to match demand.

Click the link below for the full story!

Southwest balks at American Airlines

Lufthansa Adding New Service To Austin and Bangkok In 2019

October 11, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting May 3, 2019, Lufthansa will offer its first direct flight between Frankfurt and Austin, Texas. This will be the airline’s third nonstop to Texas, adding to Dallas/Fort Worth and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330-300, with service operating five times a week. Flight LH 468 will not operate on Tuesday or Thursday, and will have a flight time of about ten hours.

In addition to Austin, Lufthansa is also adding service between its Munich hub and Bangkok, Thailand. The route will begin operating on June 1, 2019, and will be flown by a new Airbus A350-900. Flight LH792 is scheduled to operate on a daily basis.

In other Lufthansa news, the airline announced it will hold “Fly Through Time: A celebration of the Golden Age of Aviation” on October 14, 2018 from 11am to 5pm in New York, NY.

The year was 1958. It was the Golden Age of aviation and Lufthansa was leading the way. The comfort, class and style of a trip on board Lufthansa’s Lockheed Super Constellation L-1649A aircraft was second to none. Every detail was thought of. Passengers dressed to the nines for travel. The flight was an event.

On October 14, New York City will be given the chance to Fly Through Time with a one-day immersive, innovative experience celebrating of the Golden Age of flight and the birth of Lufthansa‘s Senator Service on board the iconic Super Constellation aircraft, affectionately known as the “Super Connie.”

At the Fly Through Time experience, New Yorkers will be able use the power of augmented reality technology to see the Super Constellation virtually on the streets of SoHo, and dress themselves in the 1950s fashions of the Super Connie’s stylish passengers and crew. And of course, guests will enjoy the iconic sophistication of the ‘Senator Service’ First Class lounge in the skies, recreated for the perfect selfie.

We look forward to welcoming you on board the Fly Through Time experience, a celebration of the Lufthansa’s remarkable heritage.

Fly Through Time
October 14, 2018
11am-5pm
Duarte Square
6th Ave & Grand Street
New York, NY

And of course, guests will enjoy the iconic sophistication of the ‘Senator Service’ First Class lounge in the skies, recreated for the perfect selfie. #FlyThroughTime

Sun Country Airlines Starts Rapid Expansion

October 3, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Sun Country Airlines has started on its rapid expansion plan following its acquisition by funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE: APO), which was announced last December. It’s starting flights to Florida out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport this week to both Fort Myers, beginning today, and to Tampa, beginning this Friday. Fares on both of these routes are starting out for as little as $39 and $49, each way. Sun Country has been operating out of the DFW Airport to Minneapolis/St. Paul since 2000. The airline also added DFW to Las Vegas flights earlier this year, in addition to its route to Cancun. Flights from dallas to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, will begin this November.

However, there’s much more to Sun Country’s expansion than just Dallas!

For a complete list of all of Sun Country Airlines route expansions and other news, please click on the link below!

Sun Country Airline News