American Airlines Will Finally Operate Boeing 787s From New York
In a scoop broken first by aviation watchdog JonNYC, American Airlines is opening up a New York Boeing 787 pilot base. Basing 787 pilots in New York will allow the airline to operate that aircraft from New York JFK without deadheading pilots in from other cities. American Airlines has been flying all Boeing 777s on long haul international routes.
AA:
opening a JFK 787 base
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) March 1, 2024
That they’re doing this now suggests that the airline will likely fly new-delivery Boeing 787-9s, which will be heavily skewed towards premium seats with their new business class suites with doors, out of New York. That makes sense, as it’s a more premium market than many of their other opportunities.
Credit: American Airlines
We already know that the new Dallas – Brisbane flight will be operated by this plane, so DFW airport will get a couple of new delivery 787-9s. At least a couple should go to New York initially.
American Airlines Boeing 787-9
JonNYC is reporting that the pilot base will initially be staffed by 20 captains and 20 first officers, which would support a single long haul destination. The most likely of American’s current destinations would seem to be the often weight-restricted Delhi (so a premium configuration Boeing 787-9 with fewer seats would make sense) or Tokyo Haneda.
Pilots who require training will begin training during the month of August.
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) March 1, 2024
American would also be able to operate smaller Boeing 787-8 aircraft from New York, which carry fewer passengers than the Boeing 777, allowing the airline to serve more routes (and to not lose as much money in the wintertime on non-seasonal Europe).
