Dec. 08--American Airlines will spend $2 billion to spruce up its planes and lobbies after its merger with US Airways.
"Now that we have the network to compete globally, we're going to deliver a product that's better than our competitors," said Doug Parker, American Airlines chairman and chief executive. "Refreshed cabins and clubs, modernized ticket counters, improved technology and new aircraft."
Those upgrades, the airline said, will include lie-flat seats and Wi-Fi on international flights, power outlets for charging devices during flight, updated lobby designs with power outlets and work tables near gates and even planes with walk-up bars for business class customers.
American Airlines parent AMR Corp. and US Airways Group closed their $17 billion merger in December 2013, creating the world's largest airline.
The combined airlines inherited the American Airlines name and the US Airways CEO. The two plan to become fully integrated in 2015.
American Airlines is taking delivery of nearly 100 aircraft in 2014, giving it the youngest fleet of any U.S.-based network carrier, with an average aircraft age of 12.3 years. In addition, American will take delivery of 112 aircraft next year and 84 in 2016, the company said.
jwernau@tribupub.com
Twitter @littlewern
