Delivery of the first of the new 737s represents a significant step in AA's future ability to compete in customer service and cost efficiency.
AA Sets Sights on Future with Delivery of New Boeing 737-800s
American Airlines rolled out the first of its brand new 737-800s, launching an important moment in its fleet renewal plan.
The new 737s are the first of 76 that will arrive through the first quarter of 2011 and play a key role in keeping AA competitive.
"Our new 737s will benefit our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve," said Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO. "The 737s will help keep us competitive while offering cost, environmental and operational benefits. With today's economic realities causing many companies, including American, to cut back, we must continue to find ways to control costs and boost revenues.
"It's a big decision to spend money on new aircraft, especially during tough economic times, but not doing so could be more expensive in the long run," Arpey continued.
In spite of an increasingly challenging credit market, Arpey noted that American was fortunate to be able to secure financing commitments to cover the majority of its expected 737 deliveries.
The new deliveries will be added to American's current fleet of 77 737-800s, and are intended to eventually replace all of AA's MD-80s.
Flying the 737
"It was exciting to pick up the first aircraft," said 737 Fleet Captain Jim Kaiser. "To walk out on the Boeing ramp and see the shiny fuselage with AA on it was impressive." Kaiser and and Captain Jim Thomas, 737 Fleet Training Manager, flew the first plane from Boeing in Seattle to Tulsa.
Pilots for the new 737s will fly with an improved the radar system and user-friendly visual displays, according to Kaiser. "The system provides us with excellent information, and we'll be able to fly more precise routes that help us avoid turbulence and also save fuel," he said.
"The new entertainment system will be a blessing on the long flights to the West Coast from Chicago," said Chicago-based Flight Attendant James Owens. "This will give customers something to do and make the time fly by.
"Also, since the engines are mounted under the wings, flight attendants will experience less noise in the back of the aircraft where most of our work and time is spent," Owens added.
Kaiser also noted the new 737 has a more open feeling. "The seats offer a stretched-out feeling. The power port systems are user-friendly. Just plug in like at home," said Kaiser. "And the 737 engine are greener with significantly less carbon dioxide emission and better fuel economy. These things are all positives for American."
So, what's new?
The new 737s will carry 160 passengers and offer many cost, environmental and customer benefits.
Enhanced seating comfort in both first and economy class cabins --
Both First and main cabin seat bottoms articulate forward when reclining to provide better weight distribution as well as increase the recline angle of the seat back for greater comfort for the person sitting in the seat, as well as those sitting in front or behind.
More storage areas and larger overhead binsRoll-a-board luggage can be loaded wheels first on both sides of the aircraft, greatly increasing overhead capacity
Improved Inflight Entertainment
20 drop-down LCD monitors mounted under overhead storage bins
More power ports
One power port per seat in First Class and two ports per three seats in main cabin
Fuel Efficiency
A 737-800 burns 25 percent less fuel than an MD-80 on a per-mile basis and 35 percent less fuel on a seat-mile basis
Lower Impact on Environment Blended winglets provide significant fuel efficiency and environmental benefits
Reduced noise on takeoff and approach
Lower emissions through lower cruise thrust
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