New look for American Airlines

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17: American Airlines unveiled a new logo and exterior for its planes this afternoon.

American is moved ahead with the plans even though it is in merger discussion with US Airways.

American flies to Bermuda from New York and Miami.

AA’s new flagship Boeing 777-300ER is set to begin service on January 31 and American plans to continue taking delivery of new planes this year as part of its historic orders for 550 new aircraft. 

Tom Horton, AA’s chairman and CEO, in a conference call with reporters, which the Bermuda Sun was invited to attend, said: “Since placing our landmark aircraft order in July of 2011, we’ve been building anticipation toward a moment in time when the outside of our aircraft reflects the progress we’ve made to modernize our airline on the inside.

“While we complete the evaluation of whether a merger can build on American’s strengths, we remain steadfast in each step we take to renew our airline, a step we take with great respect for our name American. Today marks important progress in that journey as we unveil a new and updated look for the first time in more than 40 years.”

The new, lighter aircraft features composite materials which has to be painted.

The CEO said the polished metal look was no longer an option, the importance of the paint selection became critical to honouring American’s silver bird legacy.  Silver mica paint was chosen as a way to maintain the silver heritage which American’s people and customers are passionate about, yet progress ahead with a clean new look.

Virasb Vahidi, American’s chief commercial officer, said: “Our new logo and livery are designed to reflect the passion for progress and the soaring spirit, which is uniquely American. Our core colours — red, white and blue — have been updated to reflect a more vibrant and welcoming spirit. The new tail, with stripes flying proudly, is a bold reflection of American’s origin and name. And our new flight symbol, an updated eagle, incorporates the many icons that people have come to associate with American, including the ‘A’ and the star.”