American Airlines is giving travelers more routes to look forward to this winter. The Fort Worth-based carrier announced several new routes that will join the airline’s robust North American network later this year, with a focus on growth at the airline’s hubs at 
Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 
Philadelphia International Airport. The new routes will connect these gateways to destinations in Latin America.
American has long been the leader for commercial flights to Central America. The carrier has a robust and largely uncontested hub in Miami, giving it access to a convenient connecting point with strong local demand. American seems to be doubling down on its strengths as it continues to compete fiercely with its rivals.
American Adds Three New Routes
This winter, passengers seeking sunny and warmer weather will have more options on American Airlines. The carrier reported that it will launch two new routes from Chicago O’Hare Airport: Mexico City, Mexico and Queretaro, Mexico. Meanwhile, from its Philadelphia hub, American will begin serving Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. These routes are positioned to attract customers seeking an escape from winter weather in the United States.
While both Chicago and Philadelphia are hubs for American, neither serves as the airline’s primary gateway to Central and South America. Instead, Miami has a schedule filled with an impressive amount of service to the region, making it a critical part of the American network. In fact, the airport is among the busiest for widebody aircraft in the United States. American seems optimistic that there will be enough demand to support more flights south from other hubs besides Miami.
In a press release, American’s Vice President of International and Inflight Dining Options stated:
“As the leading U.S. airline in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, at American we’re focused on growing our network, giving our customers access to their favorite destinations in the region — from the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico to the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Mexico City, and beyond.”
American Airlines Maintains Its Lead In Central America
In recent years, American has been criticized for falling behind its rivals. Though faced with eroding profits, the carrier does have several strengths across its operations, network, and brand. One of these is its robust Central American schedule. It dwarfs that of its rivals, and allows the carrier to maintain an advantage on services to popular destinations in the south.
American reported that at its peak, its flight schedule to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean is massive. On peak days, the airline operates over 430 daily departures to the region. This means that this winter, the carrier will offer 2.3 million round-trip seats from its US hubs. Its closest competitor still trails this number by almost one million seats.
Typically, increased market share also comes with enhanced pricing power for airlines. American’s lead in Central America indicates that it could be a very profitable market, which is especially important given American’s recent financial underperformance.
Related
American Airlines Ups Capacity On 3 International Routes From Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami & Los Angeles
The airline anticipates increased demand for some international routes this winter.
American Faces Struggles In Chicago
Though American is growing from its hub in the Windy City, the airline is facing some facility-related drama as it fights to keep gates that are bound for its main competitor in Chicago. United, which has continued to grow in Chicago, is slated to receive four new gates as the Chicago Department Of Aviation reshuffles assignments. However, American does not believe this is fair.
According to the Daily Herald, American is now asking a federal judge to stop the transfer to United Airlines. The airline already sued the city of Chicago earlier this year for breach of contract, and it seems American is not giving up on the fight for more gates. This has resulted in a tense rivalry between United and American, both of which have called O’Hare a hub for years.
- Year Founded
-
1926
- CEO
-
Robert Isom
Though tensions are rising between American and Chicago, passengers in the area can enjoy more options and potentially lower fares as both American and United invest in the airport. Only time will tell if American can recover its gates, but for now, the carrier seems committed to serving the Chicago market as a key player.
link