In a landmark moment, on January 30 American Airlines entered into service the first legacy US Airways aircraft, an Airbus A319, painted in the new American Airlines livery. The newly dressed plane, tail number N700UW, debuted its freshly painted fuselage with service from Charlotte to New York’s LaGuardia Airport on flight 2060.
“Today marks an important next step in our airlines’ integration and is a tangible way for customers and employees to see the result of our progress first hand,” said American Airlines president, Scott Kirby. “The integration of our airlines, including painting the rest of the US Airways fleet, will take many months as we work to deliver value through this merger for our employees, our customers and our investors.”
The A319 recently spent 13 days receiving its makeover. In anticipation of the new coat of paint, the existing paint was gently removed, the aircraft sanded and washed. Following the metallurgical exfoliation, the seams were sealed, the aircraft masked and 80 gallons of paint applied to the exterior. A final detailing was completed to ensure the highest shine before sending the aircraft out the door and back to work.
In December 2013, following the close of the merger with US Airways, a survey was launched allowing employees from both airlines to vote whether to change or to maintain American’s current livery. In January 2014 the voting results were announced to keep the new flag tail livery.
The airline will be adding the new look to its entire fleet of aircraft over the next few years. Approximately 640 aircraft are in line to receive the makeover, with newly arriving legacy American Airlines aircraft already outfitted in the new colours, and US Airways aircraft delivered in the new colours beginning this June. By the end of second quarter 2014 American Airlines anticipates that more than 275 mainline and regional aircraft will have been painted in the new livery.
For the full story on the new livery see HERE, and the new interiors, see HERE.
