Top 5: These Are American Airlines’ Longest International Routes From Phoenix

In the last three decades, Phoenix, Arizona – dubbed the Valley of the Sun – has grown exponentially in population. The Southwestern city, the fifth largest in the US, has become a focal point for travelers looking to escape dangerously cold temperatures in the north and east parts of the country. Additionally, tourists enjoy visiting Arizona to experience its iconic natural landmark, the Grand Canyon. However, just as Phoenix and its surrounding cities have increased in size over the years, the airline scene at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has done just the same.

In the early days, PHX was never considered a hub by the nation’s largest and legacy airlines. Several carriers served the airport, but it was primarily from their respective hubs. In 1981, America West Airlines was established and headquartered in nearby Tempe, Arizona. Although the carrier is no longer in operation today, it was the sole initiator of the current robust operation that Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines performs at PHX today, with over 330 daily aircraft movements.

America West Airlines built a successful operation at PHX throughout its 24-year life. Although the airline merged with US Airways in 2007, PHX remained a hub, and the carrier continued to fly the same aircraft, albeit in a different paint scheme. Additionally, US Airways moved its headquarters to occupy America West’s Tempe offices.

During this time, US Airways expanded America West’s network and began to launch new routes that catered to demand. Eight years later, US Airways subsequently merged with American. When the merger was announced in 2013, many feared that PHX would no longer be a hub as American was a much larger airline. However, airline officials continued classifying PHX as essential to the carrier’s operation. It is American’s sixth-largest hub.

Photo: Channing Reid | Simple Flying

With that, American is also PHX’s largest carrier, according to aviation data and analytics firm Cirium. Southwest Airlines trails slightly behind, but American has a larger international footprint and the ability to fly further distances. PHX’s longest route is exclusively operated by airlines of the oneworld Alliance. American also takes home most of the market share on the other four routes that populate PHX’s top five longest international routes next month.

London, United Kingdom

Service to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on American’s metal is relatively new compared to the other routes. British Airways was the only airline to serve the route for years with the Boeing 747-400, but American, its oneworld partner, added its own flights on the Boeing 777-200ER in 2019 to address increased demand. Both airlines serve the route daily. However, British Airways has a bit more capacity, operating the Airbus A350-1000 between the two destinations.

The only wide-body international route served year-round

American is the only US carrier to operate year-round widebody operations to an international destination from PHX. Domestically, the airline deploys the 787 Dreamliner seasonally to and from its main hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from PHX to Hawaii.

Cancun, Mexico

As a popular vacation destination from Phoenix, it is understandable that American offers daily flights to Cancún. The carrier has a total of 60 flights scheduled on the route on the Airbus A321neo. This route was traditionally served by the 757-200 before the airline phased out the type a few years ago in favor of the more fuel-efficient Airbus jets.

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

Competition from Southwest.

For years, American and the former airlines formed into it have been the sole carriers operating between PHX and CUN. This changed when Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, the second-largest airline at PHX, introduced service to CUN in March 2021. Next month, the low-cost airline will operate a total of 68 flights on the route with the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 with a capacity of 10,716 seats, according to Cirium. Despite more frequencies, American will still have more capacity at 11,760 seats on the route.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Service to Zihuatanejo will not see daily frequencies, but it is among the longest international routes at just over 1,200 miles. American has nine flights scheduled each way on the route and is the only airline to fly between the two destinations. Only two out of the 18 flights will be operated by a mainline aircraft – the A319.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

SkyWest Airlines’ presence.

More flights can operate thanks to American’s contract with regional carrier SkyWest Airlines. The remaining 16 flights will be handled by the Embraer E175 aircraft on behalf of SkyWest. The airline will offer 1,472 seats between PHX and ZIH throughout the month.

Mexico City, Mexico

American is the only airline to serve the Mexico City market from Phoenix. The route is just over 1,250 miles and is operated by the A320 and 737-800. American has 30 flights each way scheduled next month, offering a total of 9,176 seats. Capacity will be slightly less than last month due to June having one less day and the equipment.

A320 has the majority.

According to Cirium, the A320 will operate 52 out of the 60 flights. The aircraft accommodates 150 passengers, while the 737-800 has a capacity of 172 seats. This month, the -800 is the only aircraft operating the route, with 62 flights and a total capacity of 10,664 seats.

Guadalajara, Mexico

Flights to Guadalajara have the most frequencies out of American’s top five longest international routes from PHX. The airline has 120 flights scheduled on the Embraer E175, operated by SkyWest Airlines. 4,560 seats will be offered in each direction, totaling 9,120 seats throughout June.

Volaris with the largest market share

Ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris is the only other airline to operate the route and is the dominating carrier. While American has more frequencies, Volaris deploys a larger aircraft between PHX and GDL. The airline, with its A320neo, has 68 flights scheduled next month and offers 12,648 seats.

Have you flown any of these routes? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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