American Airlines expects domestic and international seat capacity during the summer travel season to be near levels seen during the same period in 2019, according to a statement issued April 14.
American Airlines is adding more than 150 new routes to its network. The airline expects to fly more than 90% of its domestic seat capacity compared with summer 2019, as well as approximately 80% of its international seat capacity compared to summer 2019.
"Throughout the pandemic, our trademark has been to build a schedule based on what customers tell us they want and need," Brian Znotins, American's vice president of network planning, said in a news release. "And today, they are telling us they're eager to get back to travel."
According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, American operated approximately 710,000 domestic flights between May and August 2019, accounting for 25.6% of the domestic market share. American's market share increased to 26.8% in 2019, despite the fact that domestic flights were halved on the year to a total 316,000.
As for international travel, American anticipates a 20% decrease in capacity from summer 2019 levels. The breakdown of international traffic by airlines has not yet been released by BTS.
While the airline plans to start new flights to Colombia May 6, other international destinations such as Hong Kong and Edinburgh will be closed due to "the effects of the pandemic and the resulting weak demand."
With international travel still down, American intends to use some of its Boeing 777 widebody aircraft on domestic flights from Miami to New York and Los Angeles.
As travelers seek vacations where they can physically distance themselves from others, American and competitors such as United and Delta have added flights to destinations with outdoor attractions such as beaches and mountains.
