American Airlines is adding 10 new routes to its network starting in April.- Miami is the center of the expansion with more flights to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Israel.
- The airline blamed a poor summer outlook and slow vaccine rollout for impending furloughs.
American
Miami is the focus of the expansion thanks to Florida's growing popularity as a vacation destination with few COVID-19-related restrictions on businesses, specifically indoor dining. American is the largest carrier at Miami International Airport, one of the major gateways to South Florida, with the expansion bringing more travelers to the region while also opening opportunities to continue further south.
Popular Latin American cities will also see more daily flights, including on some of American's largest aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. And Israel is becoming an American stronghold with a new route from Florida launching just one month after flights between New York and Tel Aviv are launched.
The expansion comes as the airline prepares to furlough workers in April, citing a slow vaccine rollout and questionable demand for summer travel. Around 13,000 workers received the advanced furlough notices, with the airline pushing for another round of the Payroll Support Program.
Here's where American is
Between Miami and Tel Aviv, Israel
American will begin flying between Miami and Tel Aviv, Israel on June 4. The three-times-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the eastbound direction.
Flights in the westbound direction will then Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In observation of local customs, Saturday flights will depart in the evening.
El Al Israel Airlines also serves the route, having begun flying to Miami in 2018, and will be American's sole competition. American said it will have a kosher offering onboard, better allowing the airline to compete with Israel's flag carrier.
Between Miami and Paramaribo, Suriname
American will begin flying between Miami and Paramaribo, Suriname on July 1. The five-times-weekly service will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the southbound direction, then Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in the northbound direction as the return flight departs after midnight.
Surinam Airways is the only other airline connecting the two cities, acting as American's sole competition.
Between Miami and Little Rock, Arkansas
American will begin flying between Miami and Little Rock, Arkansas on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.
Between Miami and Portland, Maine
American will continue flying between Miami and Portland, Maine for the summer season, with flights resuming on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.
Between Dallas and Sint Maarten
American will begin flying between Dallas and Sint Maarten on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.
Between Dallas and Merida, Mexico
American will begin flying between Dallas and Merida, Mexico on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.
Between Dallas and St. Lucia
American will begin flying between Dallas and St. Lucia on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.
Between Los Angeles and Cancun, Mexico
American will begin flying between Los Angeles and Cancun, Mexico on June 5. The once-weekly service will operate only on Saturdays.
No shortage of competitors offer flights on the route including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Mexico's Volaris.
Between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Port-au-Prince, Haiti
American will begin flying between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Port-au-Prince, Haiti on April 2. The daily service will complement existing flights from nearby Miami, offering travelers a more convenient alternative.
Spirit Airlines and American's newest airline partner JetBlue Airways also offer flights between the two cities.
Between Charlotte and Samana, Dominican Republic
American will begin flying between Miami and Samana, Dominican Republic on June 5. The twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
No other airlines operate on the route, leaving American with no direct competitors.