Earlier today we saw that Alaska Airlines will be joining oneworld. Well, it seems as though American Airlines is already looking to take advantage of this new partnership. The existing oneworld member will add new services from Seattle, which is a major hub for Alaska Airlines.
American Airlines is returning to India
As part of a deeper cooperation with Alaska, American Airlines is launching flights from Seattle to Bengaluru, India (BLR) from October 2020. After mulling nonstop flights to India, American has finally pulled the trigger. This flight will go on sale later in February. American is planning on servicing this market year-round on a daily basis.
On this rote, American Airlines will deploy a Boeing 787-9. This aircraft is equipped with 285 seats. 30 are lie-flat Flagship business class seats in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 configuration.
Just behind this cabin are 21 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. And, lastly, there are 234 economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. 34 of those seats are Main Cabin Extra seats which have 35" of pitch compared to 31" in standard Main Cabin seats.
This will be American's only route to India. Previously, American flew between Chicago and New Delhi until 2012. American Airlines will be the only airline to fly this route connecting two major tech hubs. Bengaluru is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India". Microsoft, based near Seattle, has a campus in Bengaluru.
American will add Seattle to London-Heathrow
In addition, American Airlines will deploy a Boeing 777-200 on a daily service between Seattle and London-Heathrow from March 2021. This will complement oneworld member British Airways' existing service between Seattle and Heathrow.
This aircraft has 237 seats with 37 lie-flat reverse herringbone Flagship Business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 24 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, 66 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 146 Main Cabin seats in a 3-4-3 configuration.
How this benefits Alaska Airlines
Once all of this goes into effect, Alaska Airlines is about to win big. Previously, the airline has been restricted in terms of expansion. Alaska Airlines itself does not operate any widebody aircraft. As the airline mulls an order for new aircraft, further expansion could be on the horizon. This is especially true as now Alaska Airlines will be able to offer enhanced opportunities for connections.
American's flights will be timed to offer maximum connectivity across Alaska's network out of Seattle. Connections will help keep American's planes full while also driving some new passengers to Alaska.
What do you think of these new routes which American Airlines is launching? Will they be of any use to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.