AA's shrinking Trans-con

[Ari707]

Now that AA is starting to switch fromB767-200's to A321's I took a minute to look back at the seating charts.

In the early 70's AA used B 747-100's which seated 420 in 3 classses ( flew one in 1971 when I was 4)

Then they switched to DC-10's which seated between 241 and 272 in 3 classes.

Then came the B767-200's with 168 seats

and now the A321's with 102 seats

at this rate by 2050 they may be flying C-172's

btw their 707's had 147 seats

[gonzalu]

In a few years time, we will be going back to A380 service, one class, 700 pax. $199 round trip. There is a definite market for it, trust me! I know many many folks that go for lowest price no matter what.

[megatop412]

Smaller a/c allow them to operate more of a "shuttle" service with several departures throughout the day which people seem to prefer. Can't do that with a Super.

My thing is, I could give a crap about frequency, if I'm on a plane more than 4 hours, I want two aisles.

[Gintaras B.]

In a few years time, we will be going back to A380 service, one class, 700 pax. $199 round trip. There is a definite market for it, trust me! I know many many folks that go for lowest price no matter what.

Manny,

Would you prefer fly over the pond in A318:

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/British_Airways/British_Airways_Airbus_A318.php

[moose135]

Would you prefer fly over the pond in A318
Considering that's all high-end business class, it's probably a nice ride.

[gonzalu]

I would gladly enjoy the 8 hour first class full lie flat seats on an A318 than two harrowing hours on a BA Concorde... you don;t really feel the speed in flight... and it wasn't all that comfortable to begin with.

[Ari707]

side question what's the plan for the US Air B767-200's?

[hiss srq]

That's a good question Ari.. When I worked for US they were old and we wanted to get rid of them for newer airplanes. I would imagine they will go away fairly fast though once all the peices are shuffled or enough A330 deliveries happen that they can smoothly shift them off of rotation. It will be a sad day when the last one takes off though as an ex US guy.

[LGA777]

The 3 oldest US 762's (245, 246, 248) were scheduled for retirement in the fall of 2013 but their leases ended up being extended till some time in 2014 when they will be replaced one for one by more new A-330-200 deliveries. US's A-330-200 fleet has grown so much in the last few months and with it being off season for Europe they are being operated to GIG, PUJ, SJU up to 4 a day, multiple a day to CUN, and even SXM on weekends.

Cheers

LGA777

[Art at ISP]

I am booked on the 321T in two weeks. Currently in MCE, but we'll see if any upgrades clear (maybe Sunday's return).....