WTE Miami 2023: American Airlines Rules the Skies
American Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States, providing both domestic and international air travel services. Established in 1930, American Airlines has grown to become one of the world's largest airlines in terms of fleet size, revenue, and passenger miles flown.
Its partnership with the state of Florida, especially with the Miami Dade county, and certainly the critical economic engine that the company is not just to Miami, but also to the Latin American and Caribbean region, was well underscored during the opening session of the World Travel Expo (WTE), taking place for two days at the Miami International Convention Center.
José A. Freig, American Airlines’ Vice President Operations & Commercial for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, took the floor at the event this morning to spell out details about what the world’s number one air carrier is and what it has in store for the future.
“We're proud of having more than 30 years of service here in Miami Dade. We’re the largest carrier in Miami and we account for approximately 16% of the total traffic in today's environment at the airport. Miami is also our largest international hub. Just in Miami, we are operating this summer more than 300 daily flights to more than 140 destinations, with approximately 80 of them being destinations that no one else serves”, Mr. Freig told the audience.
He added that American Airlines recently became the only airline to offer nonstop service to a destination that's already become a customer popular destination, the British Virgin Islands, with the intention to add a second flight to Tortola later this year.
In 2022, American Airlines ended up transporting over 31 million customers at Miami, a truly astonishing milestone that has been instrumental in the success not just for the carrier, but also for Latin America and the Caribbean, a region that this summer will see more than 1800 weekly flights to over 90 of its destinations for a 12% increase seat capacity.
Like other airlines, American Airlines faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in air travel demand. However, the company implemented various measures to prioritize the safety and well-being of its passengers and employees. These measures included enhanced cleaning procedures, mandatory mask requirements, and modified boarding and seating protocols.
“I'm also really proud of the fact that we're going to be announcing additional service to popular destinations like Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana for winter operations, which marks a 10% increase in seat capacity compared to 2022, which further strengthens our position in Latin America”, he went on to say. “Just last year we flew approximately 25 million customers to and from the region and then to the US, more than any other US carrier.”
The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, which allows passengers to earn and redeem frequent flier miles across a network of partner airlines. American Airlines operates a robust loyalty program called AAdvantage, which offers various benefits to its frequent flyers, such as priority check-in, extra baggage allowances, and access to exclusive lounges.
In recent years, American Airlines has made significant investments in upgrading its fleet, customer service, and technological capabilities. The company has introduced new aircraft with advanced features to improve passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. It has also focused on enhancing the overall travel experience by offering Wi-Fi connectivity on most of its aircraft, expanding in-flight entertainment options, and improving onboard dining and amenities.
As a prominent player in the airline industry, American Airlines continues to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of its customers. It strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience while maintaining a strong focus on safety, reliability, and customer service.
