American Airlines will open its longest route with a new flight to Australia
American Airlines is preparing to make a mark in its international portfolio by adding new flights to Australia, Mexico, and other countries. Starting on October 27, the Dallas-based airline will introduce new flights from Dallas to Brisbane, Australia, making it the longest nonstop flight in its network, according to the airline.
Additionally, on October 27, American Airlines will commence flights from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro and resume winter service from Dallas to Kona in Hawaii. This summer, the carrier will also introduce flights from Dallas to Veracruz, Mexico. The new route, set to open on June 12, will increase the number of American Airlines flights to Mexico on peak days to more than 105 in 2024, as reported by the Travel+Leisure website.
"American Airlines is thrilled to expand our international network to offer customers more options to escape the cold next winter," said Brian Snotins, American Airlines' Senior Vice President of Network and Scheduling. "We are collaborating with Qantas." With Qantas, customers will have more opportunities to explore new destinations on one of the most extensive networks connecting the United States and the South Pacific.
The new flights to Australia will operate daily on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft and will feature 51 seats in Flagship Suite and 32 seats in Premium Economy. Alongside the new route, American Airlines' partnership with Australian carrier Qantas will enable travelers to fly to four major cities in Australia and New Zealand: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland.
The airline's new seasonal flights to Rio de Janeiro and winter flights to Kona will operate daily on Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Travelers flying from Dallas to Veracruz will board an Embraer E175 aircraft.
In addition to the new routes, American Airlines plans to expand its current services to popular beach destinations this summer, including Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos, and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
American Airlines' international initiatives follow the carrier's revamp of its AAdvantage loyalty program, introducing members-only benefits such as free same-day domestic flight standby and complimentary 24-hour ticket hold. The airline will also permit AAdvantage members who have purchased a basic economy ticket directly through the airline to cancel it for a fee and receive a partial travel credit.