OREANDA-NEWS. Taking the next step forward in creating a more modern, fuel-efficient fleet, American Airlines welcomes its first Airbus A319 aircraft, the first of 260 planned Airbus narrowbody deliveries. American and Airbus celebrated this important milestone with a special delivery ceremony at the Airbus manufacturing facility in Hamburg, Germany.

Airbus A319

The Airbus A319 will offer customers modern technology and increased comfort onboard, including leather seats, Wi-Fi and in-seat entertainment throughout the aircraft. In addition, customers will be able to stay connected throughout their travels with individual universal power outlets and USB jacks at every seat.

“Everything about the new A319 aircraft has been designed with the customer at the center,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The introduction of the A319 is another important step in building a strong foundation for the new American. We’re pleased to be partnering with Airbus.”

The Airbus A319 will offer a wide selection of inflight entertainment options for customers throughout the aircraft. First Class customers will enjoy a complimentary selection of up to 200 movies, up to 180 TV programs, more than 350 audio selections and up to 15 games, on a 12.1-inch HD-capable touchscreen monitor at each seat. Each seat throughout the Main Cabin will offer 8.9-inch HD-capable touchscreen monitors with an assortment of entertainment options, including movies, TV programs, games and audio selections.

In addition to increased technology offerings, the new Airbus aircraft pave the way for American to have a more fuel-efficient fleet, incorporating the latest in aerodynamic improvements. The A319s have sharklets on the wings and other modifications to reduce fuel burn and keep American on the path toward being a more environmentally friendly airline.

“It’s our great pleasure to welcome back American Airlines to the Airbus family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer - Customers. “With its introduction of the A320 Family, the airline is demonstrating its confidence in a single-aisle product that has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world. American is undertaking a major strategic evolution and we are pleased to watch the A320 Family becoming an integral part of the airline’s future success.”

Airbus A319

American’s A319s will begin service in September from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to select cities, followed by additional routes throughout the end of the year. Initial routes planned for the A319 include service between DFW and Charlotte, N.C.; Cleveland; Memphis, Tenn.; and Wichita, Kan.

As previously announced, American plans to take delivery of 260 Airbus aircraft from the A320 family, including 130 current-generation aircraft from the A321 and A319 variants through 2017, and 130 A320neo aircraft with next-generation engine technology beginning in 2017. American will configure some of the current-generation A321s for use on transcontinental flights, designating these aircraft as A321Ts. The A321T is scheduled to begin service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in early 2014.