American Airlines is to suspend its London-Seattle route during summer 2022, due to a delay in the deliveries of new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
The US carrier said in a submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it will make changes to its summer schedule after being told by Boeing that it will only receive 10 new Dreamliners this year, instead of the planned 13 aircraft.
American said this delay meant it would have to “temporarily” suspend several routes, including the Heathrow-Seattle transatlantic service. The launch of the airline’s planned Dallas Fort Worth-Tel Aviv route will also be pushed back to a later date.
Boeing is expected to deliver the final three 787-8 aircraft to American Airlines in 2023, according to the airline.
“Our 787-8 aircraft are an essential part of our fleet. Despite the ongoing delay, we still have tremendous confidence in the aircraft and will continue to work with Boeing on their delivery,” said American Airlines in its submission to the SEC.
“In addition, as previously stated, Boeing has advised us that they will compensate us for their inability to deliver the aircraft.
“Further reducing our international flying this summer is a difficult decision, but ultimately, it’s the right one for our team members and customers. American will continue to offer almost 6,000 peak-day departures this summer, more than any other airline.”