American Airlines first A320 aircraft delivered

American Airlines took delivery of its first A320 Family aircraft at a special ceremony at Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Teams from American Airlines, Airbus and CFM International celebrated the first of 260 Airbus single-aisles the airline has selected to fly it into the future. American’s A319s will seat 128 passengers in a two-class configuration, and will be used initially on the airline’s domestic route network, and then into Central America this fall. The aircraft are powered by two CFM56 engines.

In addition to the delivery being a notable first for American Airlines, this aircraft is the very first A319 to feature Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer up to 4 percent fuel burn savings, providing the flexibility of either adding 110 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of over 1100 pounds (up to 500 kilograms). The American A319 is also the 100th A320 Family aircraft produced with Sharklets. Sharklets are an option on all new-build A320 Family aircraft, and will be standard equipment on all members of the A320neo Family.

“Everything about the new A319 aircraft has been designed with the customer at the center,” said Virasb Vahidi, American Airlines chief commercial officer.  “The introduction of the A319 is another important step in building a strong foundation for the new American. We’re pleased to be partnering with Airbus.”