American Airlines keeps pace with an increasingly green travel industry by adding environmentally friendly airplanes to its fleet. The first two, of a projected 76, Boeing 737-800s will go into service on April 14. These planes will burn 35 percent less fuel than MD-80s on a seat-mile basis.
The new design improves upon older models and
seeks to increase operational efficiency. The planes boast several new
features, including: greater seating comfort and space, increased cabin
luggage storage, an improved server-based in-flight entertainment
system, new drop-down LCD monitors and 110V AC power ports (so
travelers no longer need power adapters).
Gerard Arpey, chairman
and CEO of AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines, believes
that investing in new aircraft, despite significant economic
challenges, will hold long-term benefits for the airline. “They will
help keep our product competitive while offering cost, environmental
and operational benefits.”