Recently American Airlines declared bankruptcy. It was a move to try and save the airline, but it has left quite a few people unhappy. One group of folks decided to find some of the humor in a complex situation. Politics aside, this is a pretty well done and entertaining video worth sharing.
This is a preview of what American Airline's business class in their new Boeing 777-300ER. Image from American.
American Airlines has unveiled what the interior of their new Boeing 777-300ER will look like when delivered. American has placed an order for 10 of the aircraft and will be the first US airline to operate them.
“American Airlines continues to remain focused on providing a differentiated customer experience through various efforts, including the execution of our fleet renewal plan,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The addition of 777-300ER aircraft will further modernize our fleet through the integration of unique customer comforts, which are designed to create more inviting interiors and enhance the travel experience.”
The Boeing 777-300ER, which will be configured in a three class layout, will become American’s largest aircraft that they operate. Both First Class and Business will offer lie-flat seating.
American has also announced that they will use their new 777-300ER on the Dallas/Forth Worth (DFW) to Sao Paulo (GRU) starting in December of this year. American is expecting to receive two of their 777-300ERs in 2012 and the remaining eight in 2013.
This first class suite will be on American's Boeing 777-300ER. Image from American.
This new and improved economy class will be on the Boeing 777-300ER.
The look of the interior will look more like the 787 versus older 777s. Image from American.
In the 1980’s Air Cal had an interesting campaign using a piano man and highlighting the fact that you might just like their style. I do not think many airlines would do a commercial quite like this one today. Unfortunatly the colorful style of Air Cal did not make it past the 1980’s and in 1987, the airline was purchased by American Airlines.
Starting operations as Air California in 1967, they operated Lockheed Electra’s with a very classic looking livery and later operated the Boeing 737-200 in the same and then slightly modified livery.
Captain Steve Rogers came on to Saturday Night Live (SNL) this weekend to apologize to Alec Baldwin for being kicked off a recent American Airlines flight for being disruptive. It is amazing how much Captain Rogers not only has three strips on his uniform (showing that he is a co-pilot), but he also looks a lot like Alec Baldwin.
While watching the video with my girlfriend she pointed out that I make similar arguments about electronic devices on the plane. Even though I might not agree with the rules and get annoyed when I am told to turn off my phone and/or camera, I do what I am told and don’t get all huffy. It is too bad that Alec doesn’t really apologize for acting the way he did, but all that aside, the video is humorous.
I reached out to American Airlines on a quote about the SNL skit and even though I was assured that many in American have seen it, they have no official comment.
Enjoy!
UPDATE: Brett Snyder on his site Cranky Flier has some great thoughts on the whole situation. I have to say that I agree with Brett on this one.
Photo on the left shows the new painted bottom. The one on the right shows the old aluminum bottom.CLICK FOR LARGER.
You might be an airline nerd if this interests you. Warning: I am an airline nerd.
On the Twitterverse and Airliners.net, there were some questions around why American Airlines has started to paint the bottom of their new Boeing 737s. There was some speculation (and questioning if American is even really painting the bottoms), but officially from American:
“All 737’s have fluid discharge ports along the bottom Aft fuselage. AA has decided to paint the underbelly of the aircraft for aesthetic purposes and to prevent any contact of these fluids with the bare aluminum skin.”
Nothing too shocking, the bottoms have been painted to slow corrosion. I only hope that this is not a sign that American plans to keep this dated livery over the long-term. As I am sure you remember, the airline recently went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would give them a perfect reason to get a new livery (even though I know there are a lot of American livery lovers out there).
Both photos taken by Drewski2112 at Boeing Field